Fresh fires broke out in three different forest areas in the district on Tuesday.
Fires occurred at Naikatti and Karamad areas under the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Kambipalam under the Periya forest range and at Vallaramkunnu in the Vellamunda section. The fire at Naikatti was first noticed around 12.30 pm. As the fire broke out deep inside the forests, the fire-fighters had a tough time reaching the spot. According to Forest officials, the wildfires ravaged acres of forest land in these areas.
Meanwhile, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Youth Affairs P K Jayalakshmi said that the next Cabinet meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, would discuss the frequent occurrence of wildfires in Wayanad.
Man Held
Forest personnel on Tuesday arrested a person who allegedly attempted to set fire to a forest area near Varayal under the North Wayanad Forest Division.
The arrested has been identified as Balakrishnan, 39, Madiyoorveedu, of Edamana. He was nabbed by the forest guards during a special patrolling.