Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with a significant increase in forest fires, with the number of incidents rising sharply from 704 last season to 10,136 this season. This alarming trend has led to substantial ecological and economic damage, including the destruction of valuable flora and fauna, degradation of soil quality, and loss of timber resources. A recent wildfire in Kullu’s Bada Bhuin panchayat forest consumed approximately 50 hectares, resulting in an estimated loss of around ₹5 lakh.
The causes of these fires are multifaceted, encompassing both natural and human-induced factors. Natural causes include lightning strikes, which can ignite dry vegetation. However, human activities play a more significant role, with negligence such as discarded cigarette butts, unattended campfires, and deliberate actions like arson contributing to the frequency of these fires. The proliferation of chir pine forests, known for their resinous and highly flammable needles, has further increased the region’s vulnerability to wildfires. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has been actively monitoring and reporting fire incidents through its Fire Incident Reporting Engine (FIRE), aiming to enhance response strategies and mitigate future occurrences.