The forest fire that broke out in the Ungma village area on April 3, 2025, scorched extensive tracts of forest and nearby agricultural land.

Over 300 villagers aged 15 and above were mobilized to assist in dousing the fire, joining efforts alongside personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services. The EAC of Ongpangkong, Sangpangchang, was also present at the site. Additionally, assistance came from the Assam Rifles, as well as individuals from neighbouring wards and villages, who came forward to support the firefighting and relief efforts.

Keleseho Stephen Tsükrü, Officer-in-Charge of the Fire Department, Mokokchung, informed Nagaland Tribune that the jungle fire at Ungma village had initially started on April 3, 2025, but remained under control until it flared up again. A fire call was officially received on April 5 at around 4:55 PM, following which two fire tenders along with sufficient crew from the Fire Station South Mokokchung were immediately pressed into action.

The OC stated that the fire was successfully prevented from spreading to the village area and nearby dwellings with the joint efforts of the Fire Department, village volunteers, and personnel from the Assam Rifles. No casualties have been reported, although some residue remains, which is currently out of danger.

Tsükrü added that while some information regarding the fire had been received earlier, the location was far off and did not pose an immediate threat to human settlements. “We were also sleeplessly busy fighting a major fire at Tzüsapang saw mill, which was in a populated area. So jungle fires are deprioritized over domestic ones. We work on a priority basis and under directives from Fire Headquarters. Our tenders are also GPS-tagged, so operations are coordinated accordingly,” he explained.