Major Fire Breaks out in Similipal Reserve Forest

Mayurbhanj: A major wildfire gripped the Similipal reserve forest of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The forest fire was suddenly detected on Monday night in the upper part of the Similipal near Manikpur and Anantapur. The fire has been spreading faster than usual and it has covered a large area. According to sources, the blaze has engulfed an area measuring around 1 Km in length.

In the wildfire, numerous medicinal plants, large trees and wild animals are burnt. Earlier, major wildfires had also broken out in Khaladi and Tanakasahi reserve forests under the Udala range. The two earlier forest fire incidents had taken place in just two weeks.

It is yet to be ascertained whether the forest fire occurred naturally or was man-made.