Forest fires break out in Kodaikanal hills

Dindigul: Forest fires have broken out at five places near villages close to tourist spots such as Mannavanur and Poombarai in Kodaikanal upper hills in the past two days. Forest officials are on alert and fire tenders are deployed to douse the fire.
According to sources, fire tenders, including from Periyakulam, were roped in to douse forest fires that began to spread from Friday and damaged at least 100 acres.Residents said a layer of smoke covered the region. On Saturday, forest department officials and fire department personnel were engaged in fighting the fires. Tourists were stopped from entering areas where fires were reported.
Due to soaring temperature, forest areas in Kodaikanal hills remain dry, making them prone to fires. Forest officials have urged tourists and locals to be vigilant and take precautionary measures against forest fires.
Meanwhile, vehicles crawled up on Kodaikanal Ghat Road due to increased inflow of tourists to the hills on Saturday.