Udhagamandalam: The forest fire raging for the past four days in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in Nilgiris district which spread to around 250 acres has been contained to an extent and prevented from spreading to nearby areas.
According to media reports, more than 100 forest officials along with the tribals were carrying out efforts to douse the fire. Tourists have been banned from entering into MTR.
The fire began on Saturday evening and officials suspect it be man-made.
Meanwhile, officials yesterday noticed smoke emanating from Ebbanadu area and caught a 26-year-old man for setting afire dry leaves and grass in the Nilgiris North division forest area.
The man was arrested produced before court. Investigations revealed that the man had lit the fire to prevent animals from straying into his farmland. He has been remanded to 15 days judicial custody.