Dry winters, rising heat fuel forest fires in J&K

Srinagar, Jan 16: A prolonged dry spell has again triggered forest fires across Jammu and Kashmir, though the number of incidents has dropped sharply compared with last year, forest officials said.

"We have recorded 310 forest fire incidents so far in the 2025-26 (April- January) financial year," a senior official of the Forest Department said. "This is a significant decline from last year."

According to official data cited by the department, 1,276 forest fire incidents were recorded during the 2024-25 financial year, when fires surged during early winter and again in spring.

Despite the fall in incidents, damage to forest land remains substantial.

"Since April, more than 880 hectares of forest area have been affected by fires," the official said, adding that vegetation loss has been "considerable in certain divisions."

April saw the highest number of incidents this year.

"In April alone, we recorded 127 fires, which affected about 174 hectares of forest land," the official said. "After that, the number of incidents declined."

Forest officials said last year's spike was driven by unusual weather patterns.

"In 2024-25, we witnessed an abnormal rise in forest fires during early winter, followed by another increase in spring," the official said. "Prolonged dry weather, higher temperatures and human activity played a major role."

A senior forest officer said similar climatic conditions persist this year, but the natural cycle, coupled with improved preparedness, has helped contain the situation.

"There have been some incidents, but overall the situation is under control," the officer said. "Years following a major fire season generally see fewer incidents."

He said enhanced monitoring and quicker response mechanisms have also reduced the spread of fires.

"The decline can be attributed to high alerts, early warnings and faster ground-level response," the officer said.

According to officials, several forest divisions across the Kashmir valley and Jammu division were affected, though the scale of damage varied.

"The Sindh Forest Division reported the highest number of incidents, with 67 fires damaging 111.06 hectares," an official said. "Kamraj followed with 52 incidents affecting 67.90 hectares, while Anantnag recorded 37 fires over 60.25 hectares."

Bandipora reported 29 incidents, impacting 60.35 hectares, officials said.

"Although Lidder reported 25 incidents, the area damaged there was relatively high at 110.95 hectares," the official said.

Kulgam emerged as the worst-hit division in terms of land loss.

"Kulgam recorded 22 incidents, but the affected area was 307.85 hectares, the highest in the Valley," the official said.

Tangmarg and Kehmil divisions reported 18 incidents each, damaging 36.05 hectares and 43.55 hectares, respectively. The Jammu Vigilance Forest (JVF) Division recorded 16 incidents affecting 41.21 hectares, while Awantipora reported nine incidents damaging 30.70 hectares.

"At the lower end, Shopian, Langate and Pir Panjal divisions recorded five incidents each, with losses ranging from 1.70 to 4.02 hectares," the official said. "The Urban Forest Division reported the lowest figures - two incidents affecting just over two hectares."

Officials said recent major fires included one in Uri in Baramulla district and another along the Line of Control (LOC) in Poonch.

"In Poonch, the ongoing fire triggered a series of landmine explosions along the LoC," a senior official said.

He said coordinated efforts helped prevent further damage.

"There was swift coordination between the Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services and the district disaster management authorities," the official said. "This helped contain the fires and avoid casualties."

According to the Forest Survey of India's 2023 assessment, about 11% of Jammu and Kashmir's forest area falls under very high to moderate fire-prone categories.

"Dry spells, rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are increasing fire risks," a forest official said.

He said winter fires, though uncommon, are becoming more frequent under dry conditions.

"Extended dry spells can trigger surface fires even in temperate forests," the official said.

Human activity continues to be a major contributing factor, officials said.

"We repeatedly advise people not to light fires or collect fuel inside forest areas," the official said. "Even a small spark can cause large fires under dry conditions."

"Illegal collection of coal and wood is strictly prohibited, and action will be taken against violators," he added.

An official from the State Disaster Management Authority said early-warning alerts have played a key role.

"These alerts are generated through an integrated national portal using inputs from the India Meteorological Department and the Forest Survey of India," the official said. "Early warnings and rapid deployment ensured there was no loss of life."

He said forest fire vulnerability changes rapidly with weather conditions and requires constant monitoring.

Jammu and Kashmir has 21,387 square Kilometres of forest cover and 2,867 square Kilometers of tree cover, accounting for about 10% of its geographical area, according to official records.

"The region's dry temperate forests, dominated by deodar, kail and fir, are particularly vulnerable to prolonged dry spells," the official said.