Rain brings relief from forest fires in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Officials of the Coimbatore Forest Department heaved a sigh of relief following widespread rain across the division in the last two days which would prevent fire accidents.

Until Monday, forest patches were dry due to scorching heat which left officers worried. After the rain, they said the chances of a forest fire are very low in the next three to four weeks as the areas were wet.

Widespread rain was reported in the surroundings of Thadagam, Mangarai, Anaikatti, Pattisalai, Gopanari forest areas come under the Coimbatore and Periyanacikenpalayam forest ranges. Likewise, Koothamandi, Pethikuttai, Ooliyur in Sirumugai forest range, and Bettathapuram in the Karamadai forest range.