Daijiworld Media Network - Chamarajanagar (SP)

Chamarajanagar, Feb 26: Forest fire, that has been raging in different forests in the state including Bandipur Tiger Reserve, continues to consume large tracts of forest. The government has pressed helicopters into service to douse the fire at Bandipur area. In the meanwhile, fire has spread from Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill to Maddur forest range.

At the request of the state government, two MI 17 - V5 fighter helicopters arrived at Bandipur and got busy with efforts to contain fire. These helicopters had arrived on Monday afternoon, but had to return to Mysuru for want of suitable spot to land. By 4 the same evening, they came back and began operations. So far, 30,000 liters of water has been sprinkled on the fire in an effort to douse it.

Till now, over 8,000 acres of forest has been consumed by fire, forest officials said. Forest minister, Sathish Jarkiholi, visited the forest areas being destroyed by fire, and conducted inspection.

Forest fires have also been noticed in areas like the foot of Chamundi Hill at Mysuru, Forest  in Avinahalli revenue division in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district and acacia plantation near Nelamangala, Bengaluru.