Mysore, Mar. 13 (AHM&KMC)- More than five acres of forest land atop Chamundi Hill was gutted due to a fire that is suspected to have been ignited by some careless smoker.

The forest area is close to Gourishankara Nagar along the Mysore-Nanjangud road.

The fire is said to have started at around 2.30 pm and within minutes, engulfed a vast area.

Forest Department personnel, assisted by some localities, struggled to douse the raging flames for more than two hours. In view of the incidents of fire on Chamundi Hill being frequent, especially during the summer months, a team of 50 Forest Department personnel were posted on guard in the region as a precautionary measure. The team, along with the help of Fire Brigade and localities, succeeded in containing the fire, preventing it from reducing to ashes hundreds of acres of forest land.

Fire Officer Puttarao, Asst. Conservator of Forests R. Gopi-nath, RFOs Nagaraju, Ramesh and others led the operation.

Fire breaks out in Kukkarahalli lake premises

Fire broke out in Kukkarahalli lake premises, opposite the Masjid on Hunsur road this afternoon (Junction of Valmiki Road - Hunsur Road).

The fire, which was first noticed at about 1.10 pm yesterday, spread rapidly as the bushes had dried up.

Two fire engines of Saraswa-thipuram Fire Brigade were pre-ssed into service. Jayalakshmi-puram Police visited the spot.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore