A forest fire has been burning for two days in Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary near the Indo-China border, officials said on January 22, 2026. The fire started on January 20, affecting nearly 12 hectares of forest land. Conservator of forests (Wildlife), Udai Gurung, explained the fire remains uncontrolled because of steep terrain, strong winds, and restricted access in Army zones. “The prolonged dry weather and lack of snowfall had worsened the situation,” he added. Teams from fire departments, the Army, and local volunteers are working on the ground to contain the fire. There has been no loss of life or property as no houses, army bunkers, or barracks are in the area. Earlier, on January 18, a forest fire at Thambi Dara near Nathula was brought under control within a day.