Siddapura (Kodagu):  The raging fire in Dubare Forest Range has spread to Maldare Forest area covering Avaregundha, Basavanahalli, Asthana, Doddahadlu, Gaddige Betta and has reportedly gutted over 100 acres of forest land.

Forest Department staff were relentlessly trying to douse the fire raging for the last six days,  but the spreading of fire to neighbouring zones could not be arrested owing to the intensity of the blaze resulting in invaluable forest wealth being destroyed.

Forest staff, tribals and local residents of Maldare have been trying their best to avoid the fire spreading to Thithimathi Forest.

Fire Brigade personnel are taking extra precaution to ensure that the fire does not spread to coffee plantations located by the roadside.

They are sprinkling water continuously at the periphery of the forest to contain the blaze.