Nagpur: A forest fire broke out in Gorewada project’s Unit-2 on Sunday afternoon. As the wind was blowing, the forest fire spread to a larger area towards Lava-Dabha village. After a massive effort for five hours, the fire was doused. But, by that time, fire had destroyed forest on 100-150 hectares area. As per the details provided by Gorewada project management, the fire broke out around 12.30 pm on Sunday.
Though it broke out in Unit-2 of Gorewada project, it soon spread towards Lava-Dabha village. The fire spread due to wind and dry grass patches. Smoke could be seen from a distance. Around 2 pm, Gorewada Safari was stopped to ensure safety of tourists, as the fire spread towards Gorewada zoo. More than 150 personnel and officials of Gorewada project swung into action to douse the fire.
Forest Department’s fire prevention tools and three fire tenders of Fire and Emergency Services Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation were pressed into service. All the personnel were engaged in dousing the fire and preventing its spread further.They were successful in dousing the fire before it could spread in Gorewada zoo area, after an untiring effort for five hours.
Fortunately, there was no loss of life in the forest fire All the animals in the zoo were reported safe. According to Fire and Emergency Services Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, four fire tenders from fire stations in Civil Lines, Sugat Nagar, Cotton Market, and Ganjipeth were pressed into service to control the fire. The fire was at two different locations inside the jungle.
Apart from water, fire beaters and blowers were used by Forest Department staff. According to Gorewada project officials, the estimation of the loss caused due to forest fire was in progress. The work of measurement of the area affected by fire is in progress, stated an official. Meanwhile, in Nagpur city, two other fire incidents were reported as grass and bushes caught fire. One of these locations was in Manish Nagar and the other was near RPTS, Laxmi Nagar.
