Another fire erupts in same area on Wednesday
PANAJI
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has called for a detailed investigation into recurring fire incidents in Taleigao fields.
“I have called for a report from forest officials. We are told that reptiles were killed in the fire that occurred on Monday. I will speak to Minister Atanasio Monserrate and local MLA Jennifer Monserrate before making any decision. Such fires should not be allowed,” Rane said on Wednesday.
Two days after the major fire in the fields of Tonca that spread to Caranzalem and Taleigao, another fire erupted in the same area on Wednesday afternoon. The Directorate of Fire & Emergency Services confirmed that reptiles, tortoises, birds and snakes were charred in the fire on Monday. However, no human injuries were reported.
Just like the earlier blaze, Wednesday's fire occurred in wet fields, not on dry grass, raising suspicions of deliberate mischief. Firefighters rushed to the site and managed to control the flames within an hour. Police and ambulances were stationed at the spot as a precautionary measure.
The fire fighters stated that the fire did not spread as extensively as the one on Monday that took over five hours for the fire services to bring it under control.
Officials believe the blaze was intentionally set to burn stubble. Four fire tenders used around 65,000 litres of water to douse the flames, which escalated due to strong winds. Smoke spread into nearby residential areas, prompting the evacuation of 30 residents by fire personnel.
