Published on 11:52 AM, March 28, 2016

Sundarbans fire brought under control

Official say 1.66 acre of forest is gutted in fire

A fire that breaks out in Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans brought under control. Star file photo

A fire that broke out in Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans in Bagerhat yesterday was brought under control this morning.

The fire was brought under control by cutting line of fire this noon, our Bagerhat correspondent reports quoting Sultan Mahmud, a forest officer of Dhansagar in Chandpai Range.

According to primary investigation, shrub and bushes on 1.66 acres was gutted in the devastating fire, said Md Belayet Hossain, assistant forest conservator of Chandpai Range told the correspondent.

Meanwhile, a three-member committee, headed by assistant conservator Belayet Hossain, has been formed to find out the reason behind the fire and estimated loss in the fire. The body will have to submit its report by three working days.

Forest Officer Sultan Mahmud said forest officials noticed some smoke hovering over Shikdar Bari Shila area last evening.

A firefighting unit from Morelganj reached the spot this morning and brought the situation under control by cutting line of fire with the help of locals and forest officials, he said.

Divisional Forest Officer Md Saidul Islam visited the spot but failed to ascertained the reason behind the fire.