Forest fire in Kasaragod brought under control; 10 acres damaged

A fire that broke out in the Konnakkad-Kommadi forest area under Balal panchayat in Kasaragod around 10 p.m. on Wednesday was brought under control by Thursday evening. The fire was controlled from spreading into residential areas following the efforts by authorities and locals.

Forest officials, Fire and Rescue Services personnel and local residents were jointly engaged in operations to contain the blaze. Two fire units from Kanhangad and Kuttikol had reached the spot. However, firefighting had been hampered by the hilly terrain, which prevented fire tenders from accessing the affected area directly.

Kasaragod District Forest Officer Jose Mathew M. said that about 10 acres had been damaged in the fire.

He said about 90 forest staff, Vana Samrakshana Samithi, members from panchayat and others coordinated the effort to douse the fire.