Wildfire At Karnataka's Bandipur Tiger Reserve Burns Hundreds Of Acres Of Forest To Ashes, Foul Play Suspected

The Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka has turned into a raging inferno after a massive fire broke out. The wildfire, which left thousands of acres of dense forest land gutted, is still out of control and is been burning even on Sunday morning.

The fire was first noticed on Friday at Kuthuru Lake near Melkammanahalli gate of the Tiger Reserve and later spread to other areas after dry grass and weed caught fire.

BCCL

Strong winds blowing in the area also aided the spread of the fire which has now engulfed parts of Lakkigudda, Kaniyanapura, Kalligowdanahalli villages coming under Gopalaswamy Betta Forest Range.

There are also reports that the fire has spread to the tiger reserve's border with Kerala's Wayanad wildlife sanctuary.?

The outbreak has so far killed hundreds of snakes, rabbits, lizards and other species, other than burning down thousands of trees. Following the blaze the Forest department has suspends safari for a week as fire continues to rage of the Tiger Reserve.?

As the fire continue to eat up more and more forest land, the forest and fire department are working round the clock to bring it under control.

Concerned citizens and local have also joined in the efforts, doing their bit to control the massive outbreak.??

Even though forest fires at Bandipur is not uncommon, the outbreak which was reported from three different locations has triggered speculations that it was intentional.