The official forest fire season in Uttarakhand has commenced, but alarming figures have already emerged, with 42 hectares of forest land reportedly burnt even before the peak summer period. Within the first two days of the declared fire season, the Forest Department received more than 80 fire alerts from across the state.
Every year, the forest fire season in Uttarakhand is observed from 15 February to 15 June, a period marked by rising temperatures and increasing incidents of wildfires. However, this year’s early damage has raised serious concerns for authorities. According to departmental data, since November 2025, fire incidents have been reported at 54 locations, affecting over 42 hectares of forest area.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, the department received 1,957 fire alerts. Officials maintain that only 132 alerts—around 6.75 percent—were verified as actual forest fire incidents, while the majority were classified as false or satellite-triggered alerts.
On the first day of the season, reports of fire came from Silkhaud in Lamgara and Bajyuda forests in Hawalbagh in Almora district. Despite receiving over 80 alerts statewide, the department stated that no confirmed forest fire cases were officially recorded in any division on the first day, as per the department’s website data.
Reduced rainfall and snowfall during the winter months have further intensified the risk. Experts warn that low moisture levels in forest areas could make the coming months particularly challenging. The year 2024 had already proven difficult for Uttarakhand in terms of forest fires, with the state recording one of the highest numbers of incidents in the country.
Environmental experts have previously suggested preventive measures, including restricting bonfires and campfires in hotels and resorts, incorporating forest fires into the national disaster management framework, and ensuring regular forest monitoring by senior officials. Strengthening community awareness and ensuring timely honorarium payments to fire watchers have also been recommended.
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With the monsoon still months away, safeguarding Uttarakhand’s forests from further damage remains a significant challenge for the Forest Department. Authorities claim preparedness measures are in place, but the coming weeks will test their effectiveness.
