Fire breaks out at Sundarbans

A fire that broke out in the Sundarbans under Chandpai Range of Bagerhat on Sunday afternoon  damaged foliage on 1.66 acres of the mangrove forest , said Belayet Hossain, assistant forest conservator of the range yesterday.

Firefighters with the help of locals brought the blaze under control.

Locals said shrubs and bushes in 6km area of the forest have been burnt down in the fire.

The Department of Forest could not ascertain the reason behind the fire as well as the damage but Divisional Forest Officer (East) Saidul Islam said such forest fire is originated from heat wave or burning butts of cigarettes, earthen oven and other objects used by wood or honey collectors.

A probe committee headed by Belayet Hossain was formed yesterday to report on the forest fire near Nangli Forest Camp by exploring its reason and estimating the damages within three working days, said Saidul.