Belthangady : Fire along the Charmadi Ghat has been raging from the past three days and is said to have destroyed about 60,000 acres of forest area. Officials state that the fire was still to be brought under control and was a tiresome process as strong winds have been blowing in the region.

The fire on several peaks in Moodigere: Hosamanegudda, Ramanagudda, Dodderi Betta, Madagundi, Durgada Betta and Kalpanemara have led to destruction of forests. Officials say that apart from winds, vehicles were not able to reach the spot and that led the fire spreading to farther areas. If the fire was not brought under control, there are chances of it spreading to Kudremukh, Menasina Hadya, Hunasebetta, Kottigehara and neighbouring areas.

Authorities opine that the fire was not natural and might have been ignited on purpose.