Bhubaneswar, Mar 3: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed wildfire situation at Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and directed the authorities to initiate all preventive measures to control it.

Senior forest officials who were present during the meeting apprised the CM that the blaze has been brought under control and no lives have been lost. The forest officials also intimated Patnaik that the fire has also not affected large trees while PCCF Wildlife is monitoring the situation at the spot.

The Similipal forest is spread over an area of 2,750 square kilometers. It also has a sanctuary, which is home to several species. Earlier in the day, the state government has sent a high-level team to the spot to assess the situation and control the fire.