Solan, June 19
An area of six hectares was burnt in a massive ground fire in Dharampur forests last evening. No loss of life or property was reported.
Though the exact cause of the fire could not be ascertained, forest officials said it was an accidental blaze.
The fire, which started around 5.30 p.m., was doused after about 7 hours of intense fire-fighting operation by the forest guards.
Though the fire had spread near the adjoining rail track, timely action by the forest guard prevented any damage.
The inflammable pine needles strewn all over the forest floor causes massive fire during summers. An accidentally lit cigarette left by a callous passerby often leads to fires.
Forest officials said sensitive fire lines were cleared before onset of summers and special fire watchers were deployed to keep vision on forest
fires.
