Wild fire in Sri Lanka destroys over 100 acres Adam's Peak forest

Sri Lanka's Forest Conservation Department said that a wildfire has destroyed some 100 acres of forest area in Adam's Peak forest reserve. The Department said the fire is currently spreading rapidly in the area.



Range Forest Officer of Balangoda, Ajith Jayasinghe has said the fire had initially broken out in the Rathanagolla area in the Walawe Valley and is now spreading to the Balangoda section of the forest reserve.
According to Jayasinghe, the Forest Department officials are in the process of controlling the fire, but are in need of more assistance.
Strong winds and dry weather conditions have made it difficult for the officers engaged in trying to douse the fire.
The World Heritage Council last week declared the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, including Adam's Peak, the Horton Plains National Park, and the Knuckles Conservation Forest as a World Heritage Site.