The fire started at Gurgalakatte between CPT 7 and 8 near Dattahalli and soon spread to G M Halli, Sollepura and reached H D Kote. Assistant Conservator of Forest Prasanna Kumar said miscreants might have set fire to the trees. Shoot at sight order has been issued against any trespassers into the forest area, he said.

Forest department’s staff and fire fighting team are putting out the fire at G M Halli.  
Kiran Kumar, incharge forest officer, Veeranahosahalli range told Deccan Herald that the fire has been brought under control.  “Since it rained 15 days ago in this are the damage caused by the fire is not grave. However the increasing summer heat can cause more fire. Forest Department is in staff shortage to fight fire. The help of people from Bharathavadi and surrounding areas was taken to put out the fire on Friday, he said.

Shoot at sight order has been issued against any trespassers into the Nagarahole forest, which will be implemented strictly said ACF Prasanna Kumar.

Fire in Chamundi Hills

About five acres of forest was gutted in a fire at Chamundi Hills in Mysore on Friday.
Regional Fire officer C Gurulingaiah told Deccan Herald that an area with a vast grass patch was burnt due to scorching heat. As the road was narrow making it difficult for fire tenders to  reach the spot, the fire personnel had to resort to good old method of beating the fire with bush, along with Forest department personnel. The fire was put down within an hour. It was a busy day for fire fighters, as the city recorded four incidents of fire mishap.

The Forest Department, in view of similar incidents in the past, has deputed 40 personnel to man the hills. The personnel who spread in groups are equipped with wireless for communication to jump into action during exigency.