Wildfire breaks out at Virajpet hills

MADIKERI: A wildfire broke out at the historical Maletiruke Hills in Virajpet taluk, which was later brought under control due to the joint efforts of the locals, the town municipal council and the Fire and Emergency Services.

On noticing the fire, locals immediately informed the municipal council, the police and the fire force and got down to putting out the blaze by themselves. Municipal president Dechamma Kalappa and staff arrived there with water tankers, but could not bring the fire under control.

Dechamma later called Virajpet MLA A S Ponnanna after which fire tenders were dispatched from Hudikeri. Finally, the firemen, the civic workers and the locals were able to bring the fire under control.