Sri Lanka, July 16 -- The Forest Conservation Department has warned that legal action will be taken against individuals responsible for deliberately setting fires to forests, as the number of wildfires continues to rise.

Director General of Forest Conservation Chandima Panakumbura said forest fires are being reported frequently in the districts of Badulla, Monaragala and Batticaloa.

He urged the public to report anyone suspected of setting forest fires by calling the department's hotline 1995.

Panakumbura also said the department will begin establishing firebreaks to help prevent the spread of forest fires.

He added that this year's budget has allocated increased funding for forest protection and fire control measures.

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