Forest fires increase across Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts

COLOMBO (News 1st):- A fire has erupted in the Nanu-Oya and Kalapura forest reserves and the Edinburgh estate. The police said that the fire that erupted yesterday (February 1) in Nuwara Eliya was doused by the joint efforts of the officers at the wildlife conservation department and area residents. No lives have been harmed, however, the reason for these fires has also not yet been identified. Against such a backdrop, the wildlife conservation department states that forest fires have increased in number. Director-General at the department, W. A. C. Weragoda says that the highest number of forest fires for the past month were reported from the Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts. He further said that the fires are the result of the prevailing dry weather and human activities.