After unsuccessful attempts to control the fire on the ground, it spread southwards and to the west, across the valley towards the neighboring state of Manipur, and engulfed Mount Tempü in Manipur.[1] On 2 January, the wildfire spread to the state of Manipur and the Manipur State Government began firefighting efforts as well.[2] The presence of dry grass and climatic factors, including strong winds, encouraged the spread of the wildfire.[6] Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority reported that "heavy gusty winds" were not only causing further spread of the wildfire, but were hindering firefighting efforts.[4] The Deccan Herald reported that the wildfire had spread to the extent that it was visible from the Nagaland state capital, Kohima, which was situated 30 kilometers away.[7]