Shimla, May 27 -- The forest fire situation in Himachal Pradesh remains largely under control despite rising temperatures and over 232 reported fire incidents this season that have affected nearly 3,000 hectares of forest land, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Sanjay Sood said on Wednesday.

Addressing mediapersons in Shimla and later speaking to ANI, Sood said the total estimated loss due to forest fires across the state currently stands at around Rs 67 lakh, adding that the Forest Department has intensified preparedness measures amid increasing temperatures in several districts.

"Temperatures have risen sharply over the last two to three days. Una has recorded temperatures touching nearly 40 degrees Celsius...