For Third Day, Odisha Govt Claims Forest Fire Totally Contained

Bhubaneswar: For the third consecutive day on Sunday, the state government claimed that the forest fire situation is totally contained and controlled even as a major fire broke out in the Barunei hill forest in Khurda district late Saturday night.

The office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests said there is no continuous fire points in the state as of now as per the FSI Alerts information. But, considering that the major fire season is still left and fire activity increases with the rise in the temperature after the onset of summer season, the field officials have been directed to be on alert to prevent any proliferation of fire in their areas, it added. 

The RCCFs & DFOs have been advised to be in constant touch with the District administration to get their support in fire mitigation and mobilise local community, and panchayati raj institutions in fire management. The 8 ODRAF teams with 25 members each along with Fire officials are engaged in dousing forest fire along with forest staff. 

After visiting Simlipal and Kuldiha sanctuaries, the Central team visited Chandaka sanctuary along with state field officials and would interact with the government on Monday.

Also Read: Fire Breaks Out In Barunei Hill Forest In Odisha’s Khurda