The challenge posed by forest fire incidents is escalating. Since the onset of the fire season in the state, 73 forest fire incidents have already been reported; notably, fires have indeed broken out in the forests of the Kumaon region. However, the department’s official website currently lists the number of such incidents as zero.
Due to a lack of rain and snowfall during the winter months, the forests have become parched. Consequently, the vulnerability to forest fires has heightened significantly. Coinciding with rising temperatures, there has also been an increase in the frequency of forest fire incidents. From November 2025 through February 14, the state witnessed 61 forest fire incidents, resulting in damage to approximately 42 hectares of forest land.
**Damage to Forest Assets Across Over 36 Hectares**
Between February 15 and March 13—a span of 27 days—a total of 73 forest fire incidents occurred. Of these, 70 incidents were reported in the Garhwal region, while three took place within wildlife conservation areas. These fires have caused damage to forest assets across an area exceeding 36 hectares. However, according to the Forest Department’s website, no forest fire incidents have occurred in the Kumaon region at any point between November and March.
The Kumaon region is officially listed as having zero forest fire incidents. Yet, the reality is that a forest fire did occur on March 12 in the Matela forest area of Almora district. The Fire Department team subsequently brought this blaze under contro
