A fire that broke out in the Western Ghats beyond Thirukkurungudi Range on Wednesday evening is spreading towards Kalakkad area rapidly and fire service personnel are taking all efforts to put it out.
Sources in the Forest department said the fire broke out at Kuruvi Ooththu area in Nambi Kovil beat, under the Kalakkad Division, about 10 km from the foothills, on Wednesday evening.
Aided by gusty winds on the Tirunelveli–Kanyakumari district border, it spread rapidly towards the Kalakkad area, destroying the dense dry grass and small trees in Eeththanmottai, Kalu Oothtumottai, Ezhumottai and Kosuvaththivilai areas.
The fire crossed Athalimottai area beyond Kalakkad.
Deputy Director, Kalakkad Division of Kalakkad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Muruganantham, deputed 63 forest personnel in the small hours of Thursday to contain the blaze.
