The smoke and ash from the fire on Evia, a rugged island of forests and coves almost touching the Greek mainland, blocked out the sun, turning the sky orange.
Taking cognizance of increasing forest fire in the state, Uttarakhand High Court on April 6 ordered Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Rajiv Bhartari to appear before it.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased, according to a statement issued by his office.
Armed with blowers, beaters and other equipment, the two teams comprising five members each, swung into action and controlled the fire from spreading further.