Chikkaballapura, 4 March

A wildfire broke out at the famous Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura taluk late on Tuesday evening, triggering a swift response from police and forest officials.

The blaze was first noticed around 8.15 pm by personnel attached to the Nandi Hills police station, who immediately alerted the Forest and Fire departments.

Officials rushed to the spot to contain the flames. Vijayakumar, Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO), Chikkaballapura, said he received information around 9.15 pm and reached the site with his team.

The fire was brought under control after nearly an hour of efforts, using tree branches and firefighting equipment.

He noted that although fire lines had been laid at strategic points, the blaze crossed one such barrier and damaged a few trees.

Ramesh, Special Officer, Nandi Hills, said security personnel had monitored visitor movement till dusk, with no signs of fire earlier in the day. Authorities will investigate whether the incident was accidental or the result of mischief.

It may be recalled that fire incidents have broken out near the ecologically sensitive hill in the past, including frequent fires in 2018.