Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Feb 6: An accidental fire that broke out at a cashew plantation in Kodapadi near Gujjadi on Wednesday spread to surrounding areas, forcing fire and emergency services personnel to continue firefighting operations for a second consecutive day on Thursday.

Efforts were made throughout Wednesday night by local residents, fire personnel and police to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading further. Though the fire was partially contained by Wednesday evening, it flared up again during the night.

On Thursday morning, fresh outbreaks of fire were reported near the Gangolli police station and police quarters, as well as near the Guheshwara temple. Hundreds of trees were engulfed in flames and completely destroyed in the fire.

Fire personnel from Kundapur and Byndoor stations have been battling the blaze, but officials said controlling the fire has been challenging, as flames continue to erupt in new areas even after being doused in others.

Hundreds of trees, including cashew trees in the plantation, have been reduced to ashes, with many trees completely burnt. Even after more than a day since the fire first broke out, sporadic flare-ups are being reported, increasing anxiety among local residents.