Baripada, Mar 11: Unseasonal rain and hailstone at various places in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha has brought temporary relief to forest fires in the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Baripada, Karanjia and other places in the district experienced moderate rain with hailstone that continued for around half an hour.

Forest authorities were on their toes since the last many weeks to avert forest fires that are usually reported in summer.

The Similipal Tiger Reserve is spread over 2750 sq.km and includes 2306.6 sq.km of sanctuary. The entire area is divided into 209 beats. To abate the fire, in addition to 750 regular staff, protection assistants, 800 additional fire watchers have been placed in to service.