Wadamrachchie Jaffna, Disaster Management Center (DMS) announced that a fire which broke out at a Pine tree cultivation in the Manalkadu area in Jaffna has destroyed around 5 acres of land.
Army, police personnel and residents in the area are currently attempting to quell the flames, which are rapidly spreading due to existing dry conditions and strong winds, Sri Lanka Army said.
The army alleged that timber racketeers had set fire to Manallkadu forest, in the Jaffna Peninsula, last night. It was reported that troops deployed in the area had detained several timber racketeers and handed them over to the local police. Responding to a query, the army spokesman said that 200 additional troops had to be deployed in support of those serving in Manallkadu and Kuduththanai areas to fight the fire.
Minilary media spokesman Ruwan Wanigasooriya stated due to lack of water fire fighters have been facing difficulties in controling the fire.
Grama Seva officer of Manalkadu area went on to say, 1km of war has been completely destroyed by fire.
With the support of area residents and army we were able to control the flame, he said.
The army alleged that timber racketeers had set fire to Manallkadu forest, in the Jaffna Peninsula, last night. It was reported that troops deployed in the area had detained several timber racketeers and handed them over to the local police. Responding to a query, the army spokesman said that 200 additional troops had to be deployed in support of those serving in Manallkadu and Kuduththanai areas to fight the fire.
