Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jan 21: A massive wildfire broke out late Monday night in the sensitive Charmadi forest area of the Western Ghats. The fire, which started in the bamboo-dominated Bidirutala region of Charmadi Ghat in Chikkamagaluru's Mudigere taluk, has already engulfed hundreds of acres of forest land. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The wildfire poses a severe threat to the region’s biodiversity, with rare plant species and wildlife habitats at risk. Forest department personnel are tirelessly working to extinguish the flames. There are fears that the fire may spread to nearby regions of Dakshina Kannada's ghat sections, as strong winds are fuelling its rapid spread.

Charmadi Ghat, a vulnerable region, often witnesses wildfires during the summer months. Upon receiving the alert, firefighters rushed to the scene and are making extensive efforts to control the blaze. Forest officials have set up a temporary base at the site to coordinate containment measures.

Last year, in March, a significant wildfire devastated parts of the Western Ghats. Increased temperatures, strong winds, and human negligence were cited as the primary causes. That incident had disrupted train services between Subrahmanya Road and Sakleshpur in the Mangaluru-Bengaluru rail route.

This month, devastating wildfires also struck California, USA, affecting forests near major cities such as Los Angeles. The inferno destroyed millions of acres and claimed several lives as flames even reached urban areas.