The forest fire that broke out in the Ella Rock mountain range, a highly sensitive area within the Ravana Ella forest reserve, has been brought under control, according to Badulla District Disaster Management Center Assistant Director A. L. M. Udaya Kumara.
The fire, which ignited around 4 p.m. on 13 February, caused the rocks in the mountain range to heat up, posing a risk of explosions and landslides. Motorists traveling on the Ella-Wellawaya road have been advised to exercise extreme caution due to ongoing hazards in the area.
By the night of 14 February, the fire had spread rapidly toward the Ravana Ella waterfall, with strong winds, dry weather, and steep terrain making containment efforts difficult.
An investigation into the delay in firefighting efforts revealed that, unlike previous incidents, no request for an Air Force helicopter was made. Responding to an inquiry from Ada Derana, Disaster Management Center Director General Major General (Retd) Udaya Herath stated that the dangerous conditions in the affected area made aerial firefighting unfeasible.
Authorities confirm that the fire is now under control but urge continued vigilance in the region.
