Massive fire breaks out in forest area
Nivedha Selvam | Nivedha.Selvam1 | Apr 14, 2019, 04:28 IST
Coimbatore: A massive fire broke out at Kalapannaickenpudhur in the Thadagam section of the Coimbatore range forest on Saturday afternoon. Officials are still working to bring the flames under control and if they were to fail in their mission on Sunday, the district administration is likely to seek the assistance of a chopper.
According to a forest official, the fire started at Kalayanur next to Somanur. “The area is filled with tall grass and hence flames are fast spreading to Marudhamalai hills.”
He said the Thadagam section of reserve forest has not witnessed forest fire in the past five to six years. “So, chances of fire spreading fast are high.”
Pointing out that the Thadagam section of forest extends to 2,200 hectares, the official said the fire might have engulfed a few hectares. “As of now, we don’t know how much of the forest area has been destroyed. It would be known only on Sunday.”
The official said more than 27 forest employees, including guards, watchers and foresters, and other volunteers were working to put out the flames. “They are struggling to bring the fire under control as it is extremely difficult to track paths in the dark. Senior officials are on their way to the spot. The work would be sped up during the early morning hours.”
Foresters said the fire might have been caused by the high temperature that the district has been witnessing in the recent days.
The district administration, meanwhile, said they would seek chopper assistance if foresters fail to put out the fire on Sunday.
A few weeks ago, a chopper from Sulur air station was used to control the fire that engulfed Vellalore dump yard.
According to a forest official, the fire started at Kalayanur next to Somanur. “The area is filled with tall grass and hence flames are fast spreading to Marudhamalai hills.”
He said the Thadagam section of reserve forest has not witnessed forest fire in the past five to six years. “So, chances of fire spreading fast are high.”
Pointing out that the Thadagam section of forest extends to 2,200 hectares, the official said the fire might have engulfed a few hectares. “As of now, we don’t know how much of the forest area has been destroyed. It would be known only on Sunday.”
The official said more than 27 forest employees, including guards, watchers and foresters, and other volunteers were working to put out the flames. “They are struggling to bring the fire under control as it is extremely difficult to track paths in the dark. Senior officials are on their way to the spot. The work would be sped up during the early morning hours.”
Foresters said the fire might have been caused by the high temperature that the district has been witnessing in the recent days.
The district administration, meanwhile, said they would seek chopper assistance if foresters fail to put out the fire on Sunday.
A few weeks ago, a chopper from Sulur air station was used to control the fire that engulfed Vellalore dump yard.
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