Fire was reported in fields adjoining the buffer zone of Panna Tiger reserve area on Friday. The Forest department claimed that fire did not reach the buffer zone area of the reserve and was doused. No damage to property, human lives animal or jungle was reported. The department authorities claimed that fire was reported in agriculture fields, but was brought under control. The fire department teams doused the flames caused by burning of fallen leaves and dried weeds in the fields.
The Panna tiger reserve field director BS Bhadauria said two fire incidents were reported but none was in the reserved territory. “Fire broke out in agriculture fields. Dry leaves and weeds were burnet on the agricultural fields and the fire was successfully brought under control by the department team.
“All animals are safe. The farmers had set dried leaves of Mahua trees in their field on fire. In the second incident, some farmers were burning the dried weeds in their field but failed to check when the fire spread. Our teams were sent to douse the flames,” the officer said, adding that the two fire incidents were outside the buffer zone We have clearly instructed the farmers not to burn weeds or dry leaves in field, but whenever we are notified about the fire in any area around the reserve, we send our teams to check its spread, said the officer.
