Fire in the Dodabetta reserved forest

The occurrence of a bush fire in the Dodabetta reserved forest near Upper Kodappamund resulted in many parts of the hill station being enveloped in smoke on Wednesday.

With the fire spreading rapidly, panic gripped many of those residing close to the forest.

Houses damaged

The surroundings of some of the houses located near the forest were partially charred.

Speaking to the press the District Forest Officer, the Nilgiris North K.Soundarapandian said that it was brought under control after a long battle.

Stating that one person Vivian Prakash James (26) of Ooty has been arrested in connection with the fire, he said that he was caught when he was trying to start another fire near Dodabetta peak.

Eight acres hit

The Forest Range Officer Premkumar said that gorse, lantana and eucalyptus over about eight acres had been affected in the fire.

Apart from about 45 forest staff, local volunteers and fire and rescue service personnel had helped in bringing the fire under control.


Anger

However, some of the residents gathered on the main road to express their anger over the alleged delay in reacting to the situation.