News
Ella Rock forest reserve blaze lays 600 acres to waste
View(s):The fire engulfing the Ella Rock forest reserve continued yesterday with more than 600 acres of a total extent of 4,447 acres, destroyed so far.
The fire had spread towards the Rawana falls on Friday night.
Winds and steep inclines are hampering efforts by the army, Forest Conservation and the fire services of the Bandarawela Municipal council.
Trees, reptiles and small animals have been destroyed in the fire. Monkeys were also severely affected.
Police warned that boulders could fall onto the main road.
Air Force helicopters were not called in to assist, unlike in previous years.
Prof Ruwan Ranasinghe, deputy minister of tourism told the Sunday Times, that using helicopters has not been effective in controlling such fires in addition to the high cost involved.
He said NPP members in each of the divisions will be reined in to prevent such fires in future.
Pix by Prasad Rukmal and Palitha Ariyawansa
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