Baripada (Mayurbhanj): Amid rising mercury levels and severe heat wave conditions in the district, wildfires in Similipal forest have doubled the hot and humid conditions in the State.
The forest fire has been detected in over 13 points in the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia. Large swathes of forest caught fire causing massive damage to the flora and fauna of the national park.
Adequate number of forest personnel and fire services personnel have been pressed into services to douse the forest flames. But, they failed to bring the blaze under control.
Fire incidents have been detected at eight points in North Similipal while five in South. More fire incidents have been detected in Talaband and Dukura ranges. The firefighters left no stone unturned to douse the inferno, but fire engulfed rapidly.
The forest officials also continue patrolling to make people aware of the wildfire. More forces have been deployed at sensitive zones, forest officials said.
The department has provided adequate fire-fighting equipment.
f the fire spreads to core areas of the forest, it would be difficult to save the wild animals.
Some fire incidents are natural while some are stated to be man-made.
RCCF Prakash Chand Gogineni said 13 fire points have been reported which is the biggest of the current season.
