Chikkamagaluru: After Bandipur and BRT tiger reserves were scarred with forest fire, Madhuguni forest in Balehonnur range of Chikkamagaluru district has left the officials in tizzy as a raging forest fire engulfed the region.
The wildfire was caused by an electrical spark in the 11 kV power line between Balehonnur and NR Pura on Monday and over 10 hectare of teak plantation have been reduced to ashes in just two hours, according to an initial investigation by local forest officials.
It is said that the forest officials rushed to the spot at about 11.30 am and brought the fire under control at 1.30 pm. This range of forest was witnessing such a fire for the first time and the forest officials say that drought and hot weather have made forests vulnerable to such incidents.
With the reason behind the fire being located, the forest department is now contemplating to file case against the linemen, it is said adding that the department has also decided to conduct a thorough inspection of all paths of electrical cables and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
