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Nepal's only int'l airport shut due to grass fire

Tue Feb 7, 2012 10:08 AM EST
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Associated Press
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<p>Nepalese watch a grass fire close to the runway of Nepal's international airport in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. The grass fire has closed Nepal's only international airport and forced flights to divert to India. Police spokesman Raviraj Shrestha said the fire spread close to the runway but away from the terminal building Tuesday evening. No damage or casualties were reported, and it was brought under control within hours. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)</p>

Nepalese watch a grass fire close to the runway of Nepal's international airport in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. The grass fire has closed Nepal's only international airport and forced flights to divert to India. Police spokesman Raviraj Shrestha said the fire spread close to the runway but away from the terminal building Tuesday evening. No damage or casualties were reported, and it was brought under control within hours. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

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— A grass fire has closed Nepal's only international airport and forced flights to divert to India.

Police spokesman Raviraj Shrestha said the fire spread close to the runway but away from the terminal building Tuesday evening. No damage or casualties were reported, and it was brought under control within hours.

The fire and smoke were visible around part of Nepal's capital, Katmandu.

Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Lokendra Bista said he ordered an investigation into how the fire started.

February is the start of the spring tourism season in the Himalayan nation. Tribhuwan International Airport is the main airport and the only one with international flights.

Shrestha said a few flights were diverted, but the exact number was not available.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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