Ella Rock forest fire controlled, vehicle drivers warn

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The forest fire that broke out in the Ella Rock mountain range, an extremely delicate location within the Ravana Ella forest reserve, has
actually now been brought under control, according to the Assistant Director of the Badulla District Disaster Management Center, A
L
M
Udaya Kumara.The fire, which broke out around 4 p.m
on February 13, caused the rocks in the Ella Rock range of mountains to heat up, presenting a danger of explosions.As the rocks in the
mountain range became exposed, there was likewise a concern relating to the potential for rocks to roll down the slopes.Assistant Director
Udaya Kumara even more stressed that motorists taking a trip on the Ella-Wellawaya road ought to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing
threats in the area.The fire had actually spread rapidly by last night (14 ), advancing toward the Ravana Ella waterfall, stated Ada Derana
reporter.The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the dominating dry weather condition, strong winds, and high terrain, which made it
challenging to control the flames.An investigation into the hold-up in snuffing out the fire revealed that in previous incidents within this
secured area, the assistance of an Air Force helicopter had been requested.However, it was reported that no such demand was made this
time.In response to an inquiry from Ada Derana, Major General (Retd) Udaya Herath, Director General of the Disaster Management Center,
clarified that no request for helicopter help had actually been made.He likewise described that the unsafe conditions in the location where
the fire had spread made it difficult to make use of helicopter assistance.Additionally, he mentioned that the fire has actually now been
effectively brought under control.