Wildfire in Tirumala forest under control: officials

The blaze that started in the Tirumala forest range on Tuesday was brought under control this evening even as "a linear fire" had broken out at another place in the same area, officials said.
Following the eruption of the fresh fire, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams had decided not to send back the IAF helicopters, which would be again pressed into fire-dousing service tomorrow morning, they added.
Two IAF helicopters were involved in fire-fighting operations since yesterday. The blaze had engulfed around 460 hectares of area in Seshachalam forest in Chittoor district.
Russian-made Bambi Bucket Equipment was used to spray water from the sky. Yesterday, the choppers made a total of 16 trips carrying 3,000 litres of water each, bringing the fire under control considerably and stopping its progress towards the temple area.

The fire was completely put out this evening, said Director General (AP Fire Services), Sambasiva Rao.
"Today, the choppers carried out 20 trips," he told PTI.
Apart from the choppers, 23 fire-tenders were engaged in the fire-fighting efforts on the ground.