A massive fire broke out in the pine forest of Daringibadi, which is dubbed Odisha’s Kashmir.
The local residents woke up to a smoky atmosphere on Saturday morning. A thick smoke was noticed billowing from the pine forest of Shraniketa Ambakhalia hill.
Soon Fire Services department personnel and Forest Department staff were engaged to bring the fire under control. They had a harrowing time in taming the flame as it was spreading from all four sides of the forest.
At the time of filing this report, the fire was yet to be completely subdued.
At a time when people are reeling under acute heat wave conditions, the forest fire has only added to their woes.
“As a part of their duties, our employees always move around the jungle. They first spotted the fire and sent out messages. Our forest staff, fire personnel and members of the ODRAF team have been pressed into service. Even after one hour, the fire has not been controlled as yet,” said Fakir Nayak, forester, Daringibadi.