According to reports, the fire started at approximately 5:00 PM on March 25 and spread rapidly across the dry reserve due to prevailing arid conditions. Swift action was taken to contain the blaze by reservoir security personnel, students from the Castlereagh Training Center, and local residents, who worked together to bring the situation under control.
Authorities have raised concerns over the possibility of deliberate fire-setting in protected areas. Pradeep Weerasekara, Senior Superintendent of Police in charge of the Hatton Division, urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to forest fires to the nearest police station.
