Periyapatna:  About 150 acres of forest area in Maldare and Doddaharave Reserve Forests were destroyed in the fire allegedly put by some miscreants in five to six places at Lingapura in Periyapatna last night.

As soon as the fire was noticed, Mysuru and Kodagu Forest Department personnel along with the tribals rushed to the spot and tried to extinguish the fire but in vain. They then informed the Fire and Emergency Service personnel in Periyapatna.

The tribals alleged that though the Fire personnel along with the extinguisher vehicle arrived at the spot, they did not enter the forest citing that the fire would damage the paint of the vehicle and the tyres may get punctured for which they would be held responsible by their higher ups.

Later, the Mysuru and Kodagu Forest Department personnel with the help of the tribals managed to extinguish the fire at some places. It is suspected that many wild animals and birds may have perished in the fire.

Had the Fire personnel acted fast by entering the forest to douse the fire, a large area of forest land and animals could have been saved, the tribals said.

This morning, the Forest Department personnel brought water in tractors from Maldare Forest to douse the fire.