Srilanka, Feb. 25 -- The fire that erupted in the Samanala Nature Reserve has now been fully contained, with nearly 30 acres of land reported to have been destroyed. Hatton Forest Guard V.J. Rukshan confirmed the update, noting that the fire, which started near the Valamalai Estate in Nallathanniya on the afternoon of February 23, spread rapidly due to extremely dry conditions in the area.

Efforts to control the blaze were initially made by troops from the Laxapana Army Camp, officers from the Forest Conservancy Office, and Nallathanniya Police. However, the fire's spread to the top of the mountain posed significant challenges. Water was brought from the Maussakelle Reservoir by a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 412 helicopter, which made 11 w...