MADURAI
The forest fire that was spotted in Rajamparai segment of Rajapalayam Forest Range around 6 p.m. on Sunday had been extinguished, said Forest department officials on Monday.
A senior ranger in the area said there was no loss of human life or fauna. The valuable trees growing in the region had also not been affected by the fire, which was extinguished in the early hours of Monday. “Since it was a ground fire, only surface-level grass has been destroyed. Currently, only smoke rises from the area,” he said.
According to sources, a 20-member team – 16 Forest department staff and four Fire Watchers – along with tribal people, who are part of the Eco-Development Committee, reached the hill in Rajamparai after a five-hour trek. After studying the situation, they used available materials, including leaves and wet earth, to put out the fire, the sources said.
A senior official from the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary in Srivilliputtur said access to most parts of Rajapalayam Forest Range was limited due to lack of roads or paths, which made it difficult for fire tenders to move uphill. The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained, but the official suspects lightning caused the fire.
He said the team of officials would remain in the area for one more night to prevent any untoward incidents.