It is reported that the fire that broke out in the Samanala Nature Reserve in the Laksapana Valamalai Estate has been controlled. A large number of troops from the Laksapana Army Camp, officers from the Hatton Forest Office and officers from the Nallathanniya Police have been deployed for this purpose, said Chief Inspector E.A.P.S. Weerasekara, OIC of the Nallathanniya Police.
Army troops and other firefighting personnel have taken steps to control the fire that broke out yesterday (23) afternoon, said Forest Officer V.J. Rukshan of the Hatton Forest Office.
Since the operation carried out with a large number of people could not control the fire, he further said that the assistance of the Air Force Bell 212 helicopter was sought.
The fire, which was spreading, has been brought under control by helicopters carrying water from the Maussakelle Reservoir and dropping it on the fire. Nearly 10 acres of land in the reserve have been destroyed by the fire.