Altogether 115 fire points were reported from the Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district till April 20 (Saturday) this year, revealed the Forest Department on Sunday.
All these fire points were extinguished by employees of the department, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda.
He further claimed that the fire points at Similipal were detected and extinguished in time and they could not cause any damage to the flora and fauna.
“Till yesterday, Similipal sanctuary had received fire alerts for 115 points this year and all were extinguished by our green soldiers in time before it could cause any damage in scorching heat,” said Nanda in a Twitter (X) post.
Earlier, there were media reports that at least 134 fire points were reported from Similipal between March 20 and April 20.
The forest fire has caused extensive damage to the Similipal sanctuary and caused troubles for its wildlife, claimed the media reports.
The reports further stated that many wild animals are straying into human settlements due to the forest fire at Similipal.
