India, March 12 -- The onset of summer and a spike in temperatures due to the ongoing heatwave have brought about a sharp rise in forest fires in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). At least four incidents of forest fires were reported from different parts of the city this week alone, as the maximum temperature touched 40 degrees Celsius.

On Monday evening, fires were reported in the hillock near Tata Power off Chembur, and the hillocks behind Hiranandani Complex in Powai. Another fire was reported in the same area in Powai on Tuesday, around 1.45pm, affecting over 4,000 square feet; the fire was extinguished by 4pm, fire brigade officials said. The largest fire, at the Aarey forest near Film City, was reported around 3am on Tuesday. S...