Fresh fires broke out in the forests of Babuzai, Kabal and Barikot tehsils of Swat on Sunday, with the authorities struggling to bring the raging inferno under control.

The majority of the fires, which began on June 1, have been brought under control, according to the district administration officials. Over 65 blazes in various areas of the Swat district have been put out over the past few days, they said.

An operation is underway to control the fresh fires, which broke out in the hills of Marghuzar, Malkidam, Gul Maira, Amlooktal, Sherkani, Shingrai, Kandak Jahangir and Quanj Totano Bandai.

Residents of the Marghuzar area said that the fire in the hills was spreading fast to other areas, burning down a large number of small trees and bushes.

Villages near the forests where the fire is raging have been vacated with residents told to move to safer locations.