Tragic Wildfire Incident: Forest Guard Severely Injured in Rourkela

Critical Injury in Wildfire Control Efforts

In Rourkela, a forest guard named Samara Oram has suffered severe burn injuries while trying to combat a wildfire near Birida in the Kuanrmunda Forest Range on Monday morning. Reports indicate that he has sustained burns covering more than 75% of his body and is currently in critical condition at a private hospital.

Oram was part of a four-member team that was actively working to extinguish the fire using blowers and extinguishers, aiming to prevent the flames from advancing further into the dense forest. Unfortunately, a sudden gust of wind changed the fire's direction, overwhelming the team's efforts and engulfing Oram in flames.

Forest department officials were alerted immediately, and senior personnel arrived at the scene. Following emergency protocols, Oram was swiftly evacuated and taken to a private medical facility in Rourkela.

Efforts to reach Divisional Forest Officer Jasobant Sethi for a statement were unsuccessful. As summer temperatures rise after a brief cool spell, the incidence of forest fires in the district has notably increased.