Fire prevention work has started in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) ahead of the summer fire season. Due to a harsh winter drying the undergrowth, officials expect more fires this year. About 300 km of fire lines are being drawn in the core area, with another 400 km prepared in the buffer zone. Fire lines are clear breaks in vegetation to stop fire from spreading fast. These lines measure 6 to 15 meters wide and run along the interstate border with Karnataka and inside forest areas. Controlled burning is underway on 15 km near the National Highway crossing the reserve. In the buffer zone, the 400 km of fire lines are being maintained, and controlled burns will continue soon. Officials have hired 40 fire watchers from nearby villages to help watch for fires. A special van will carry them and firefighting gear to remote spots. Water troughs are filled to aid wildlife and firefighting. Equipment like tractors, water tanks, air blowers, fire rakes, and headlamps are ready for emergencies. Tourists are being warned about fire safety to avoid careless fires. Drones and thermal cameras keep constant watch to stop fires early. Fire prevention is also active in Nilgiris and Gudalur forest divisions, say officials.