Bantwal: Massive forest fire ravages cashew plantations near Perne

Bantwal: Massive forest fire ravages cashew plantations near Perne

Mangalore Today News Network

Bantwal, January 9, 2026: A forest fire broke out on Thursday in the plantation areas near Perne, Biliyur village, including Balapu, Turvere Guri, Poo Padikallu and Kunkanthota, causing extensive damage to forest wealth.

The fire reportedly originated due to a short circuit in an electric line in Perne village and spread rapidly, engulfing the cashew plantation areas of the Cashew Development Corporation in the Biliyur–Kodimbady region. As a result, thousands of cashew trees and other forest trees were gutted, leading to heavy losses.

Snakebite During Firefighting Efforts:

As the fire spread, teams from the Cashew Development Corporation, Forest Department officials and local residents, with the assistance of the Fire and Emergency Services, rushed to the spot to douse the flames. During the operation, observer Shekhar Poojary was bitten by a poisonous snake that was fleeing the fire. He was immediately rescued and admitted to a private hospital in Puttur by plantation superintendent Raviprasad, where he is undergoing treatment.

Forest Department officials including Kantharaju, Sudhir Hegde and Ullas took part in the firefighting operations. The Puttur Fire and Emergency Services made several trips to refill water and worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control. As residential areas are located close to the affected site, local residents and officials took special care to prevent any further mishap.