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Statesman News Service GANGTOK, Jan. 10. — The devastating fire in the forest at upper reaches of Barshey Rhododendron Sanctuary which began on 8 January was finally brought under control at around 4 p.m. today. Continuing their efforts yesterday, around 300 people of forest department, panchayats, Joint Forest Management Committee and locals from nearby areas slogged throughout the day that saw the fire at Bhareng, Ripdi and Lamutar areas of the sanctuary extinguished. However, Malingo bamboo plantations and other bio-diversity spread over an estimated 80 hectares have been completely razed, informed Mr Hari Pradhan, Conservator Forest (Wildlife) department. Top officials including the SP (West), DC (West) and the area MLA Mr Ran Bahadur Subba had visited the spot early in the morning and directed the fire fighting operations. Mr Pradhan further informed that there is no loss of wildlife. Malingo bamboos are found in abundance in those areas. It is also a known habitat of red pandas. However, it appears that the red pandas have managed to escape the fury of the forest fire. Mr Pradhan said that the fire had originated from Bhareng, which is located at high-altitude and difficult to access. Yet, the untiring efforts of the people and the area MLA, Mr Subba resulted in putting off the fire, Mr Pradhan informed. The official further informed that a surveillance group has been posted to prevent any further outbreak of fire. Apart from that, patrolling groups will be touring all over the sensitive areas to report any forest fires, he added.