Kumta: A massive fire broke out on Thursday afternoon in the forest areas of Muroor hills in Kumta taluk. 

As the information was alerted, the fire brigade personnel who rushed to the spot were successful in extinguishing the fire with the help of the locals.

On Thursday afternoon, dry grass of the forest suddenly caught fire. The locals who noticed the flames,  immediately informed to it to the fire brigade. The fire brigade managed to extinguish the fire with the help of the people.

During the blaze, strong winds caused the fire to spread over a large area, resulting in the burning of several trees, sources said. It is suspected that some miscreants might have played a nuisance.