Two IAF choppers pressed into service to douse Sariska fire

Alwar: Over 200 people and two Indian Air Force helicopters were pressed into service to control a wildfire that spread over 10 sq km of Sariska Tiger Reserve, officials said on Tuesday. By Tuesday night, the fire shrunk to five or six square kilometres, the officials added.

The blaze had started on Sunday evening and was brought under control on Monday. That evening, a few hours later, it flared again and continued through Tuesday. The Forest Department asked people of nearby villages not to enter the forest.

The officials said no tiger is stuck in the affected area and their movement is being monitored. District Forest Officer (Sariska) Sudharshan Sharma said the helicopters made several rounds till Tuesday evening