Several fires broke out in Similipal due to extreme heat

Baripada: Prolonged dry weather and scorching heat in Mayurbhanj district has led to a dangerous forest fire in Similipal National Park.
Fires have raged across core areas of the forest, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem.
As many as 13 fire points were detected within the Similipal National Park on Saturday as a result of rising temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius in Mayurbhanj district.
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) regional chief conservator of forests and area director Prakash Chand Gogineni confirmed the spread of the fire, identifying eight points within the North Division jurisdiction and five points within the South Division jurisdiction of STR.

Forest personnel patrolling to protect the park identified the fire spots. Upon receiving the information, fire brigades responded immediately, extinguished the flames and restored fire fighting lines in the affected areas.
Fire blower machines were deployed to assist in firefighting efforts.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined as the investigation is ongoing.