Forest beat guards on duty in the area first noticed the fire, after which senior forest officials, including Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Bharat Pathak, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Gir east) J S Solanki rushed to the spot.

A forest official said the fire was brought under control after more than 12 hours. He said the fire caused extensive damage to nearly 85 hectares of forestland, but no damage to livestock was reported from anywhere.

Deputy conservator of forests (Gir east), J S Solanki said, "The forest fire seems to be the handiwork of some hooligans. We have already registered an FIR against unknown persons. An inquiry has also been initiated in the issue."

Solanki also ruled out the possibility of any injuries sustained by the animals, due to the fire. He said, "Wild animals are safe. The fire did not affect the big trees. The fire destroyed grass cover in 80 to 85 hectares," he said.