Rourkela: A forest squad member suffered critical burn injuries while battling a wildfire in Brahmani reserve forest under Kuanrmunda range in Sundargarh district on Monday.
The incident occurred around 10 am when a six-member team was deployed to control a wildfire. Samra Oram (40), who was operating a blower machine, was suddenly engulfed by flames and sustained 90% burn injuries. His colleagues — Bisra Oram, Bipin Minz, Chama Oram, Piscal Lugun and Pradeep Soren — rushed to rescue him and managed to extinguish the fire.
The victim was initially taken to Kuanrmunda community health centre and later referred to Rourkela Govt Hospital. Due to his critical condition, he was shifted to Ispat General Hospital before being admitted to a private hospital.
Kuanrmunda range officer P N Saraf, who visited the hospital, said, “An inquiry will be conducted to determine how the flames got to him while he was performing his duties.”