Chikkamagaluru: With the onset of summer and rising temperatures, the forest department is intensifying preparations to prevent and manage forest fires, which typically spike between Jan and June in Chikkamagaluru district.Key preparations include creating fire lines, deploying personnel for surveillance, and organising training and patrolling with fire-watchers. The officials monitored fire-prone areas regularly and also urged the public to alert them if they came across any fire incidents.
The officials identified fire-prone areas, created fire lines, and intensified watch and ward. The staff working at ground level received training on how to control and douse fires.This year, the department has paid special attention to tourist hotspots such as Mullayanagiri and Seethalayanagiri. The Chikkamagaluru division has newly created a 130-km fire line. Officials had also reported a wildfire in the Charmadi Ghat early in the winter season.The district, which has extensive forest cover including shola forests and grasslands, often sees fires occurring in grassland stretches. Ground-level staff have been trained in fire control and dousing techniques.Chikkamagaluru chief conservator of forests Yashpal Kshirsagar said the department has taken all necessary measures to prevent fire incidents across the district. Staff have undergone training, and awareness programmes have been conducted to sensitise the public.The department is also coordinating with the fire and emergency services to respond to emergencies. However, the forest terrain poses challenges for vehicle movement, making human effort crucial, the CCF added.Deputy conservator of forests Ramesh Babu said that although a few fire incidents were reported, they were brought under control promptly. As part of a long-term solution, the department has introduced four new rescue vehicles and set up a fire control room to monitor personnel, vehicle movement, and emergency information.Officials said several fire incidents were man-made, and identifying those responsible remains a challenge.
