MYSURU: A forest guard succumbed to burns and four others, including a Range Forest Officer and guards, suffered injuries in a forest fire that broke out in Kalkere range of Bandipur National forest on Saturday.
The deceased has been identified as Murugappa Thamanna Gowda. RFO Gangadhar and three forest guards who were injured were given treatment. It is learnt that Murugappa, a native of Bidar, died on the spot when he was attempting to douse the flames.
Forest officials, acting on a tip-off, rushed to the spot to put out the fire. But dried lantana weeds and grass added to their woes. The rising flames forced wild animals to run helter-skelter.
The officials called in personnel from neighbouring Nagarahole, parts of Chamrajnagar and Biligiri Ranga hills to douse the fire. Around 400 personnel are trying to contain the fire.
Sources said the forest personnel have also taken assistance from local tribals. The forest authorities are also looking for those responsible for the forest fire.
Precautionary measures and patrolling have been stepped up in Nagarhole, M M Hills and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary as there are dry patches that are vulnerable to the fire. In fact, dry season, especially summer is a problematic period for the Forest Department. The dried up leaves are vulnerable to fire and wind only compounds the problems.