Over 6 acres damaged in Kudremukh National Park forest fire

Mangaluru: A forest fire that broke out Saturday in the Kudremukh National Park (KNP) area was brought under control the same night following a swift response by forest department.The blaze was reported from a grassland patch in Belthangady, damaging around 6–7 acres. Officials said no wild animal was harmed.Deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Kudremukh wildlife division, Shivaram M Babu, said the fire is suspected to be man-made and may have originated from nearby areas. "We are assessing the exact cause," he said.Local residents said flames were spotted on the hillside and were visible from Aladangady town.On preparedness, Shivaram Babu said all forest camps are on high alert. "Our teams respond immediately after receiving the alert and managed to douse the fire within hours. Fire watchers appointed last year continue to assist us, ensuring rapid action," he added.