Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 13: A major fire broke out on a hillock near Kubevoor Guttu in Kilpady on Thursday, forcing locals and fire personnel to launch a swift operation to prevent it from spreading to nearby residential areas.

The blaze reportedly started on a hill and forested patch along the Konkan Railway track near Kubevoor Guttu, and soon spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds in the afternoon.

Sparks from the raging fire crossed over to the other side of the railway track and began burning near a house at Kubevoor Guttu, causing panic among residents. Local resident Naveen Raj and his family immediately alerted former Kilpady gram panchayat president Vikas Shetty over the phone.

Acting promptly, Vikas Shetty coordinated with the fire department, following which personnel from the Moodbidri fire station rushed to the spot. With the assistance of local residents including Imtiyaz and others, the fire-fighting team battled the flames and finally brought the situation under control after strenuous efforts.

It is estimated that nearly 15 acres of hillock area was gutted in the fire. There were fears that the blaze could spread to nearby residential localities if not contained in time.

Kilpady panchayat secretary Harishchandra and staff member Yatheesh Kolakadi were also present at the site and assisted the fire personnel in dousing the flames.