Fire in Kodai hills chokes residents

Smoke from a forest fire that broke out near the famous hill resort town of Kodaikanal in neighbouring Dindigul district has caused eye irritation and breathing difficulty among tourists and residents.
Officials today said the smoke from the fire in Shenbaganur forest, which broke out yesterday, engulfed parts of Kodaikanal, which attracts a large number of tourists.
District Forest Officer Murugan said around 150 personnel, including those from Fire and Rescue Service, had been pressed into service to douse the fire, being aided by strong wind.
Earlier, a blaze was noticed in Perumalmalai peak and it began spreading. However, it was brought under control the day before yesterday. Now the fire had been noticed in Shenbaganur area in the Kodaikanal Hills.