Wayanad: A wildfire that broke out in the Kambamala forest region near Pilakkavu, under the North Wayanad Forest Division, on Monday was successfully extinguished in a coordinated effort by forest officials and the fire force. The blaze consumed nearly 10 acres of forest land before being brought under control, officials said.

Acting swiftly, the forest officials contained the fire by creating a fire line with a counterfire, preventing its spread. The operation was led by North Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Martin Lowell, with Forest Range Officers S Renjith Kumar, Rose Mary, and T Nidhin Raj overseeing the firefighting efforts.

Three units from the Fire and Rescue Force in Mananthavady, headed by Station Officer P K Bharathan, assisted in dousing the flames. Due to the lack of roads, firefighters initially struggled to access the hilly terrain but managed to stop the fire from reaching nearby plantations and human settlements.

The fire has left vast sections of grassland reduced to ashes, raising concerns about wildlife movement. The region is home to tigers, wild boars, and bison, and locals fear these animals may now stray into residential areas.