A fire erupted in the Bagawantalawa Samanala Reserve yesterday (20) evening, destroying nearly five acres of forest cover, police said.
According to Bagawantalawa Police, initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been deliberately started by an individual who had entered the reserve to collect firewood.
The flames quickly spread within the reserve but were brought under control following a joint effort by estate workers and Bagawantalawa Police officers, who engaged in an intensive firefighting operation.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the incident.
