Bhubaneswar: A major fire engulfed a reserve forest in Ranapur of Nayagarh district, destroying hundreds of valuable plants.
The fire is raging in the hills near Asur Kumari Hills, Luni Sahi, Dengajhar, Jainkot villages from Sangorda on the Nayagarh-Ranpur road.
People in the local are worried lot about the fire as the forest fire helped increase the day temperature in the locality.
The inferno has spread in a vast area which became impossible for forest department personnel and local residents to contain it.
The fire has spread from the bottom to the top of the hill, creating a panic among local residents.
The smoky atmosphere coupled with hot winds are disrupting public life in local areas. The local police along with forest department personnel and fire service personnel reached the spot and are trying to douse the fire.
Forest fire was also reported from various other forests in the State. Fire in several points were detected in Chandaka sanctuary on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
About 30 forest fire points have been identified in Similipal biosphere reserve in Mayurbhanj district. The inferno continues to give a sleepless night to the forest department officials.
