Gujarat: Huge Fire Near Ambardi Safari Park Destroys 185 Acres of Forest Land, No Casualties Reported
A large fire erupted near the famous Ambardi Safari Park located in the Amreli district of Gujarat, damaging approximately 185 acres of forest land. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported, and the fire was brought under control after nearly four hours of continuous firefighting operations.
The incident took place on Friday, near Ambardi village and the Ambardi Safari Park, which is a well-known tourist and wildlife destination in the region. The fire caused significant damage to forest vegetation and wildlife habitat but did not lead to any loss of human life or residential property.
Fire Breaks Out Near Ambardi Safari Park in Amreli
According to information shared by ANI, the fire started in a forested area situated between Ambardi Safari Park and Ambardi village. This region falls under the Dhari tehsil in the Amreli district, which is located near the coastal area along the Shatrunjay River. The area is known for its rich forest cover and wildlife presence.
#WATCH | A fire broke out near Ambardi Safari Park in Gujarat’s Amreli. Fire tenders present at the spot. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/xJWt3Oxy0N
— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2025
As soon as the fire was reported, three teams from the Fire and Emergency Services were immediately dispatched to the location. Additionally, an extra fire vehicle was sent from the Bagasara tehsil to assist with the efforts. The coordinated action helped in eventually bringing the flames under control after continuous efforts that lasted approximately four hours.
No Human or Animal Casualties Reported
Fire Officer SC Gadh, who led the firefighting operation, informed the media that there were no reports of injuries or casualties due to the fire. “The blaze broke out in a revenue land area, which included forest vegetation. Fortunately, there is no report of any human or animal life lost. However, the fire did burn a significant portion of the green cover,” he said.
He also mentioned that the fire primarily affected forest trees and dry vegetation that had accumulated in the region due to rising temperatures and dry weather conditions. The fire spread rapidly, burning around 185 acres of land. Although the blaze caused substantial damage to natural resources, there was no impact on nearby residential or populated areas.
Possible Cause: Electrical Short Circuit
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, although a detailed investigation is still underway. Electrical faults are common causes of fire in such regions, especially during the dry season when the presence of dry leaves, twigs, and high temperatures increases the risk of fire incidents.
Officials have not ruled out other causes and are currently conducting a thorough inspection to determine the exact source of the fire. The fire department is also coordinating with the forest department to assess the full extent of the ecological and environmental impact.
Environmental Damage Under Assessment
While there were no injuries or loss of life, the damage to the forest ecosystem is being closely monitored. The affected area included a variety of plant species and was considered a natural habitat for several wild animals. Forest officials have been instructed to carry out an environmental survey to evaluate the extent of damage caused by the fire and to plan for restoration efforts.
Environmentalists and wildlife experts have raised concerns about the long-term effects of such fires on biodiversity. Forest fires not only destroy vegetation but also disturb the habitat of birds, reptiles, and small mammals that reside in the undergrowth. Many such animals might have been forced to flee their homes due to the fire, although reports confirming wildlife impact are still awaited.
Similar Incident in Uttar Pradesh: Fire at Bhadohi Cotton Mill
In a separate but somewhat similar incident, a major fire broke out in the early hours of Friday at a cotton spinning mill in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh. The factory, identified as Gaurav Industries, is located in the Carpet City area near the Carpet Expo Mart and is owned by Anil Jaiswal.
The blaze reportedly began shortly after midnight and is also suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit. The mill’s automated fire extinguishing system was activated by a few employees who were present at the time, but the fire spread rapidly due to the large quantity of cotton stored on the premises. The presence of strong winds further contributed to the swift expansion of the fire across the entire facility, which spans multiple acres.
Losses Estimated in Crores, No Injuries Reported
According to a report by PTI, District Fire Officer Omprakash Mathur confirmed that seven fire tenders were deployed to the site and continued operations for nearly six hours before the flames could be fully controlled by around 9:00 a.m. on Friday.
Even though no injuries or loss of life were reported from the Bhadohi incident either, the financial losses are expected to run into several crores. Cotton is highly flammable, and once ignited, it becomes extremely difficult to contain the fire unless large-scale firefighting resources are made available immediately. The extent of property damage is being assessed by both insurance surveyors and local administrative officials.
Rise in Fire Incidents Raises Concerns
Both these separate incidents — in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh — reflect a growing concern about fire safety and disaster preparedness, particularly in industrial and forest areas. In the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of fire outbreaks during the summer season, largely due to rising temperatures, dry weather, and negligence in handling electrical equipment.
Experts emphasize the need for regular safety checks and preventive measures such as clearing dry vegetation, maintaining firebreaks in forests, and installing updated electrical systems in factories. Moreover, emergency response systems must be regularly trained and upgraded to ensure that such fires can be contained quickly, minimizing the damage to life and property.
Government and Local Authorities on Alert
Following these incidents, local governments and administrative departments have been placed on high alert. In Gujarat, forest and fire departments have been instructed to review safety measures in and around all forest areas, especially near wildlife parks and sanctuaries.
Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, the district administration is expected to carry out a safety audit of cotton mills and other factories dealing with inflammable materials. The aim is to prevent such disasters by ensuring strict adherence to fire safety protocols and to raise awareness among factory workers and local residents.
The recent fire near Gujarat’s Ambardi Safari Park and the blaze at Bhadohi’s cotton mill underline the urgent need for enhanced fire safety mechanisms in both natural and industrial environments. Though both fires were eventually brought under control and no lives were lost, the environmental and financial damage highlights the risks posed by fire outbreaks.
As summer continues and temperatures rise, it becomes even more crucial to take preventive action, stay alert, and ensure that both public and private properties are equipped to handle such emergencies efficiently. These incidents serve as a reminder that preparedness, early detection, and swift response are key to minimizing damage in the face of unexpected disasters.
