Bhubaneswar, Mar 8 (IANS): With the cases of forest fires increasing in the state, the Odisha government on Monday constituted a task force to review the forest fire incidents and suggest immediate containment measures.

The decision comes on the back of wildfires raging in Odisha -- one in Similipal Tiger Reserve and another reported to have broken out at adjacent Kuladiha Sanctuary.

The nine-member task force has been formed under the chairmanship of former principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) Sandeep Tripathi. It has members from the Central and state government, civil society and community, which will suggest further steps for prevention of forest fires in the state.

It will assess the causes behind the incidents of forest fire and suggest measures for its immediate containment, said a notification of the forest department.

The task force will also suggest measures for augmentation of the existing fire management protocols, including geomatics-based fire alert system.

Besides, it will recommend suggestions for improved community participation in fire management and prevention and conduct post assessment of forest fire-affected area, loss to wildlife, biodiversity.

The forest department said that more than 6,000 staff have been engaged in fire dousing in the state.

A 24x7 Forest Fire Cell is operating in PCCF and PCCF (Wildlife) offices. The senior officers are monitoring forest fires on the spot.

The forest fire in Simlipal is now almost contained. The core area with precious wildlife has not been impacted much, with fires mostly confined to the peripheral areas of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve, the department said.