Fire reported in severa parts of forest in Theni dist

: Fire has been reported in several parts of the forest area in this district and nearby Dindigul, particularly near Cumbum, with local body officials expressing fears that wild animals could come into residential areas, unable to bear the heat.
They said the fire was noticed in Ekaloothu and shenbaganur areas and suspected some anti-social elements to be behind it. The entire forest was facing a heat wave and dry leaves and bamboo could have caught fire due to friction.
In Ekaloothu area 50 trees had been charred, while a lot of smoke was visible in Kodaikanal area.
Officials expressed confidence of controlling the fire, saying fire service personnel were fully prepared to tackle it.