DEHRADUN: Forest fires have gutted 4,268 hectares of forest cover in Uttarakhand in 1,998 fire incidents in the state since February. On Thursday, eight isolated incidents of forest fires were reported in the state. The ravaging fires have already resulted in Rs 82.43 lakh loss to the department. Maximum fires sparked in reserve forest area of 1,394 hectares followed by area under van panchayat 604 hectares. “We have successfully controlled the blaze till now and hopefully weather will be favourable in dousing the fires,” said BP Gupta, chief conservator (forest fires and disaster). Meanwhile, maximum loss was reported from forests of Garhwal and Shivalik region, 2,861 hectares in total 1,303 fire incidents followed by Kumaon and Wildlife administration that saw 623 and 72 hectares gutted in 1,252 and 154 forest fire incidents. However, locals alleged that due to forest fires, water pipes broke thus leading to water scarcity.