Forest fires return to Kashmir amid prolonged dry spell

Srinagar, Nov 28: A prolonged dry spell has sparked a surge in forest fires across Kashmir, with at least four major incidents reported in the past three days.

The fires have scorched fresh stretches of green cover and forced extensive firefighting operations across multiple districts.

The most serious blaze erupted Wednesday evening in the Mawer forest range of the Nowgam sector in north Kashmir's Handwara, where flames swept through dense vegetation near the Line of Control (LOC).

Forest officials, police, Army personnel from the Naugam Brigade, Forest Protection Force (FPF) Langate and local volunteers fought the fire overnight in steep, rugged terrain.

Two forest employees - Bashir Ahmad Wani and Mohammad Mohmin were injured during initial containment efforts but are in stable condition. "The fire's intensity caught us off guard, but we're committed to saving every acre," a senior forest department official said.

Fire tenders, water bowsers and manual teams worked through the night and brought the blaze under control by Thursday afternoon.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid the area as investigations continue.

On Thursday evening, another fire broke out in compartment 33 of Rampora Rajpora in Sopore, Baramulla district, where dry grass and shrubs quickly ignited.

Fire and Emergency Services teams, along with forest officials and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), prevented the flames from spreading deeper into the range.

Later that evening, a massive blaze erupted in compartment 89 of Chontihall Chattergul in Uttersoo area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Forest personnel, DDMA teams, assisted by residents, contained the fire before it reached adjacent compartments or residential areas. Several smaller fires reported this week were also doused promptly.

Chief Conservator of Forests (Kashmir) Irfan Rasool said: "There have been a few incidents of forest fires, but overall, this year the situation is not so bad. Years following major fire seasons typically see fewer incidents. This year we expect not many forest fires or major damage, and we are continuously monitoring vulnerable areas to ensure a quick response in case of emergencies."

Government data shows 1,276 forest fire incidents in 2024-25, resulting in the loss of about 3,551 hectares of forest cover. Between February and March, 91 incidents damaged more than 136 hectares, while April - the first month of the ongoing financial year 2025-26 - saw 127 fires that scorched 174 hectares before numbers declined.

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

Experts warn that prolonged dryness, rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are creating conditions for fires to ignite and spread more easily. "Winter fires are relatively rare, but extended dryness can trigger surface fires in temperate forests," an official said.

Human activity also remains a significant driver. A forest official urged residents to avoid lighting fires or collecting fuel inside forested areas. "Illegal collection of coal and wood is strictly prohibited. Given the dryness, even a small spark can turn dangerous," he said.

Forest officials said action would be taken against those responsible for igniting fires. "Protecting forests is a collective responsibility," the official added, adding that the department continues to issue advisories urging public cooperation.

An official of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) said early-warning alerts are helping limit the scale of damage.

The alerts, disseminated through an integrated National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) portal, draw on inputs from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Forest Survey of India (FSI) and other agencies.

"Swift response ensures no loss of life, though vegetation and ecosystems have suffered," the SDMA official said.

High-risk zones have been mapped in advance, allowing authorities to focus resources on vulnerable areas. Forest-fire vulnerability, officials said, shifts rapidly with changing climatic conditions and requires continuous monitoring.

Jammu and Kashmir has 21,387 sq. km of forest cover and 2,867 sq. km of tree cover, about 10% of its geographical area. The region's dry temperate forests, rich in deodar, kail and fir, are particularly sensitive to prolonged dry spells.