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Addressing the growing threat of forest fires

Growing threat of forest fires:

  • Forest fires are a global and national concern, often receiving attention only after significant incidents, such as the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
  • In India, 36% of forest cover is prone to fire, with incidents increasing tenfold in the last two decades, exacerbated by climate change and human activities.

Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)

Human-induced causes of forest fires:

  • 90% of forest fires are caused by human activities: land clearing, slash-and-burn agriculture, and unattended campfires.
  • Rising temperatures and extended dry spells further amplify the risk and intensity of forest fires.

Consequences of forest fires:

  • Environmental impact: Loss of biodiversity, wildlife, and trees; disruption to soil fertility, water cycles, and human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Economic losses: Forest fires emit 69 million tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing to climate change. Forest degradation costs India ₹1.74 lakh crore annually.
  • Social impact: Communities dependent on forests lose access to timber and non-timber forest products, affecting their livelihoods.

Existing policies and schemes:

  • India has the National Action Plan on Forest Fires and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPMS) to enhance fire management.
  • However, funding for these schemes has been inconsistent, underscoring the need for more stable financial backing.

Challenges in forest fire management:

  • The Forest Fire Alert System is unable to differentiate between forest and other fires, delaying responses.
  • Limited technological tools, such as predictive modelling and real-time monitoring, hinder efficient fire management.

Technological solutions and advancements:

  • Advanced predictive modelling can help identify highrisk areas for forest fires based on climate and geographic data.
  • Drones with thermal imaging could monitor fire-prone areas, assess damage, and guide firefighting efforts, with successful pilot projects in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
  • Data integration from the Forest Survey of India, IMD, and ISRO could enhance fire predictions and management.

Empowering local communities:

  • Local communities in fireprone areas should be trained to collect and share real-time fire data via mobile apps, SMS-based systems, and toll-free helplines.
  • Community initiatives, like those in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, can be expanded across India, where self-help groups collect pine needles to reduce fire risks.
  • Empowering women and youth as ‘forest fire scouts’ and combining local knowledge with modern tools like fire risk mapping can strengthen community-driven fire prevention.

Need for a holistic approach:

  • Addressing forest fires requires collaboration among policymakers, scientists, civil society groups, and local communities.
  • multidimensional approach, involving infrastructure improvement, consistent funding, technology adoption, community empowerment, and policy intervention, is essential for effective forest fire management.

March 2025
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