PUNALUR: Rubber trees spreading over seven acres of land was gutted in a fire at an estate. The fire broke out at 11.40 am yesterday at a garden owned by AVT in Placheri.

About 1,200 two-year-old rubber trees were destroyed by the fire. The first fires were in the woods, which were cut down to keep the seedlings warm during the hot summer months. The fire then spread to other places. Neighbors say the fire first broke out in a low-lying area adjacent to the municipality's waste treatment plant near the estate.

Locals who saw the smoke rising informed the fire force. Four units arrived from Punalur. Later, a unit from Pathanapuram fire station reached the spot. The fire was completely extinguished by 2.30 pm. The rubber estate is about 1600 acres.

The fire was put off by Punalur Fire Force Assistant Station Master Nazir, Grade Assistant Ashokan, firemen Anil Kumar, Manoj, James, Akhil, Manu, Sarath, Ramesh Kumar, Atal Imam, Anumon, Sreekumar and Akhil.