Army Personnel Douse Wildfire in Somawathiya

More than 50 Army troops of the Security Force Headquarters – East (SFHQ-E) on Thursday (19) took prompt action to arrest the spread of a wildfire that has erupted in the Somawathiya National Forest Reserve after the incident was brought to the notice of Major General Santhusitha Pananwala, Commander, Security Forces – East.

On being informed of its possible spread it to the entire National Forest Reserve, the Commander immediately dispatched more than 50 Army personnel with necessary equipment to bring it under control within a few hours since the area is very crowded with devotees and tourists. 7 & 9 Sri Lanka Artillery troops participated in the operation to bring the situation under control within a matter of few hours. Prevailing dry weather conditions were attributed to the sudden outbreak of this fire in the affected area.