The forest fire in Balakote and Mendhar areas raged for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, causing several landmines along the Line of Control to explode, officials said.

The fire, which broke out in a forest along the LoC in the mountainous area of Poonch district, is spreading, they said. Several landmines in the Mendhar sector exploded following the forest blaze, the officials said.

Personnel of the army and the forest department along with locals are engaged in controlling the fire, they said.