The forest fire which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday atop the Thirumala hills has turned to be a major ecological disaster. The fire that was first noticed at Pullatla, spread towards Eethakayala mandapam and Kakulakonda area and later to the eastern parts of the forest. TTDs Chief Vigilance and Security Officer (CVSO) G. Srinivas & reserve forest DFO Srinivasulu along with other forest officials and fire tenders rushed to the spot to put out the flames but have been unsuccessful in putting out the fire. Close to 50 firefighters, other TTD employees and media personnel are currently stuck up the hill. Fire engines from other areas in and around Tirupathi are being called for help. The high winds are further stoking the fire and spreading it further.

The TTD and forest officials are in consultation with the Vedic priests and the government for sending helicopters to Thirumala to put out the fire aerially. Papanasanam area is being set to be cleared as the fire has spread to that place also. With fire engulfing the forests there are chances of the wild animals coming in to the human habitats to save themselves from the heat and fire. The forest officials are quickly gearing up for this situation and clearing people from there also. Vehicles on the road to Thirumala are being cleared and sent back. The fire which started near a sandal wood farm has destroyed acres of reserve forest area and sandal wood forests. Whether the onset of summer heat has caused this fire or the handiwork of sandal wood smugglers is yet to be ascertained. But the expected loss is said to be more than 70 crore rupees.The power generating windmills on top of the hill are also set to be stopped as a precaution.