Two helicopters have been deployed to combat a fire in the hill area of the Minipe-Morayaya forest reserve in the Hasalaka police division, the Air Force said.

“We have already dispatched two Bell-212 helicopters from the Hingurakgoda camp and are preparing to dispatch one MI-17 helicopters soon,” Air Force Spokesman Andrew Wijesuriya said.

A forest fire is raging on a mountain slope and strong winds as well as difficulties to reach the area are preventing the authorities from bringing the fire under control, officials said. They said Wild Life Department officials assisted by the Police are trying to control the fire.

The Disaster Management Center which sought assistance from the Air Force has said that the fire had destroyed a large extent of the forest.