Fire at Kalenjimale Reserve Forest, 9 acres destroyed

Mangalore Today News Network

Vittal, Jan 20, 2016 :  As per reports, a biker travelling from Kanyana to Vittal noticed the fire and immediately informed the forest department staff at Ukkuda check post. Vittal range forest officer SN Lokesh, along with other staff rushed to the spot and began extinguishing the fire.

 

But the strong winds hindered the operation and the fire spread to surrounding areas. The locals also helped in dousing the fire. Finally, it was after about five hours and with the help of more than 500 volunteers that the fire was doused.

About nine acres of forest land was destroyed after fire was noticed at Kalenjimale Reserve Forest  near Kanthadka on Kanyana road.

The fire brigades at Bantwal and Puttur were informed about the fire, but the one that arrived from Bantwal stated that there was no proper road to reach the hills. However, the locals performed a commendable work by supplying water with the help of drums, pots and vessels; the fire was extinguishing at 2.30 in the morning; the staff of the forest department reached the spot on Monday morning with water tankers and made sure that the fire was completely doused.

Locals alleged that the Bantwal fire brigade did not provide aid in the operation. Another fire brigade was called from Mangaluru which aided in extinguishing the fire.