Ella, July 12 – A fire that erupted yesterday afternoon in the Ella Kandakubura Reserve has destroyed a cottage belonging to a tourist hotel, according to police reports.
The blaze, fueled by prevailing dry weather conditions and strong winds, rapidly spread across the forested area, which hosts several tourist properties.
Authorities suspect that the fire may have been deliberately set. Emergency response teams from the Bandarawela Municipal Council, Ella Police, and wildlife officers were swiftly deployed to the scene.
Investigations into the incident are currently underway.
