tirupati: Later Thursday, a fire broke out in the Seshachalam Forest area near Tirumala, causing heavy smoke between devotees and residents, raising concerns.
The fire was reportedly originated near Tumburu Theertham, a sacred site near Papavinasanam and quickly spread throughout the forested area. The flames were seen from Tirumala Town, shocking locals and pilgrims.
Forest department officials suspected the fire might have been triggered by afternoon rises, which made dry vegetation prone to ignition. Several trees have been burned and major damage has been reported in the affected areas.
Officials from the forest wing of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) as well as field staff and firefighters rushed to the site to control the flames. Although the night rains provide temporary relief, the fire later reignited due to wind and rain and spread across larger areas.
Efforts to put out the fire are underway, and forest officials have been working all night to prevent it from further advancing to sensitive areas around the temple town. So far, no casualties have been reported.
