TIRUAPTI:A major fire broke out in Seshachalam forest on Friday.
Greenery in over five acres between Venkatapuram and Karakambadi were destroyed in the fire, which was later put out by fire personnel.
Divisional forest officer (wildlife) G Srinivasulu said the fire started at Venkatapuram in Renigunta mandal and gradually spread to Karakambadi, on city outskirts.
As many as 50 forest and fire department personnel from Tirumala and Tirupati fought the fire. “Information about the fire was received around 11.30 am. It took almost four hours to extinguish the flames,” he said. Damage is yet to be assessed, he said, adding that grass in 2.7 acres and other vegetation in 3.52 acre were destroyed.
Meanwhile, it is learnt some residents of Karakambadi area left their homes and moved to safety after people living in colonies in the ‘danger zone’ were asked to vacate their houses. However, the panic-gripped residents heaved a sigh of relief when the fire was extinguished.