Fire Engulfs Large Tracts Of Forests In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Amid an unprecedented rise in temperature, a major fire broke out in Charigharia forest under the Dalijoda range in the Cuttack forest division on Monday.

According to sources, the fire, which broke out around 3 pm, engulfed vast forest areas and three fire fighting teams were engaged to control the blaze. People living in nearby areas have placed wet carpets on their houses to reduce the impact of the fire.

Forest officials have attributed it to people’s carelessness like unextinguished beedi and cigarette butts and lighting of firewood, which can readily spread through dry leaves.

A special squad has been formed to keep a watch on the forests and guard against such practices, a senior forest official said.