A forest fire that entered human settlements destroyed 12 homes in Barahapokhari Rural Municipality of Khotang district on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Purushottam Khadka of Khotang District Police Office, the fire that broke out at Raktamala community forest around 4pm engulfed houses in ward 1 of the rural municipality.

Police said the fire resulted in the death of 40 goats.

DSP Khadka said a police team, led by Inspector Raju Niraula, has been sent to the site to assess the extent of the damage.

Fires raging in several community forests across the district have yet to be brought under control. DSP Khadka said security personnel from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and locals are working to contain fires.

In recent weeks, there has been a sharp rise in incidents of fire across several districts. On Monday, a fast-spreading blaze swept through Jaralhawa Gachhi village in ward 6 of Matihani Municipality in Mahottari destroying at least 110 homes.