Fire personnel graple with blaze as forest fires ravage Yercaud foot hills and slopes

The looming threat of a harsh drought has cast a shadow over Yercaud forest areas, with trees and foliage desiccating rapidly.
The forests in the Servarayan hills (Yercaud) is of dry decideous type and the leaves starting withering quite early this year in February-March itself. Amidst this parched landscape, forest fires have become a frequent occurrence, exacerbating the already dire situation. The Forest Department has been grappling with the alarming spread of fires, which have engulfed vast swathes of land. 
The latest incident unfolded in the southern slopes of the Servarayan hills near eighth hairpin bend, where a raging fire consumed approximately 4 acres of forest land, leaving destruction in its wake. As smoke billows across the mountain pass, visibility has plummeted, posing significant challenges for drivers navigating the treacherous terrain. 
Yercaud’s slopes known for its pleasant rides amidst picturesque landscapes, now shrouds in a thick haze, further complicating travel for motorists. Upon receiving information about the fire, fire fighters swiftly mobilized to the scene, battling tirelessly to extinguish the flames. However, their efforts were thwarted as the fire spiraled out of control, leaving a trail of devastation in its path. 
With the fire ragingged uncontrolably, additional reinforcements were summoned from Salem to bolster the fire fighting operation. As both sides of the mountain road were engulfed in flames, authorities were compelled to halt transportation services for a period, causing disruptions for commuters. After a grueling five-hour struggle, fire fighters managed to gain the upper hand, bringing the inferno under control. 
However, the aftermath of the blaze left the mountain road blanketed in smoke and ashes, underscoring the severity of the situation. As Tamil Nadu braces for the impending drought, forest fires continue to pose a significant threat to the region's ecological integrity.