Forest blaze intensifies in Odisha; 328 fire points reported

Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): 
Forest fire incidents have witnessed a sharp surge in Odisha, with 328 fire points reported on Friday, breaking Thursday’s record of 221 locations.

Umarkote in Nabarangpur district remains the worst-affected area, accounting for 22 fire points — the highest in the region.

The figures were released by the Forest Survey of India. 

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has stepped up ground operations in a bid to contain and douse the spreading flames.