Geographically, forest fires occur in all regions of the country. Numerically, such incidents occur more frequently in the Terai in a short period of time. The Chure region is most affected by frequent forest fires.
However, in terms of fire penetration into settlements, loss of life and property, and affected area, the mid-hills experience the most significant damage.
According to the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal records more than 3,000 fire incidents annually, affecting an average of six hectares of forest per incident. About 65% of these fires occur in April. The primary causes include poor forest management, excessive accumulation of flammable materials, abandoned farmlands, negligence, arson—both intentional and unintentional—and poaching. Experts highlight that managing flammable materials is the biggest challenge. Studies suggest that 96% of fires are caused by human activities, with nearly 70% resulting from negligence or ignorance, making prevention possible.
Forest fire expert Sundar Sharma stresses that fire control requires a dedicated task force and a well-implemented action plan. “The scattered plans, budgets, and human resources should be consolidated, and personnel should be equipped with necessary tools,” he says. Sharma recommends systematic controlled burning, the creation of firebreaks, and increased community-level awareness to mitigate risks.
In 2024, Nepal experienced forest fires in 5,136 locations across 74 districts. Surkhet recorded the highest number of incidents (328), followed by Salyan (281), Dang (276), Kailali (256), Chitwan (250), Bardiya (226), Doti (207), Dadeldhura (185), Parsa (173), and Banke (165). Over the past decade, the most severe fire outbreaks were recorded in 2016 (6,234 incidents), 2021 (6,537), and 2024 (5,136).
Joint Secretary Deepak Gyawali, head of the Forest and Watershed Division at the Ministry, warns that Nepal faces an increased fire risk this year due to an extended winter drought. Recent fires in Kavre, Lalitpur, and Langtang National Park highlight the need for heightened preparedness. He cites challenges such as Nepal’s difficult terrain, lack of fire control equipment, high costs, insufficiently trained personnel, and limited incentives for firefighting efforts. Gyawali suggests that allowing the private sector to use flammable materials like dry leaves, twigs, and undergrowth as industrial raw materials could help reduce fire risks.
Lack of Manpower and Rising Risks
The increasing abandonment of farmland in the hill areas due to wild animal encroachments and labor shortages has worsened fire risks. As fewer farmers raise livestock, the collection of forest resources has decreased, leading to the accumulation of dry leaves and bushes—fuel for wildfires during the dry season. Experts warn that unless these materials are properly managed, fires will become more devastating. They advocate for improved forest management, efficient wood and firewood collection, and better flammable material control along village perimeters.
Rakesh Karna, president of the Nepal Forest Technicians Association, urges the Division Forest Offices to establish local reporting systems for early fire detection. “A structured network should be built to enable immediate responses when smoke is detected. Mobilizing responsible officials, security agencies, and community-based firefighting teams would be highly effective,” Karna says.
Policy and Institutional Response
The government has introduced legal and policy measures to combat forest fires, including the annual budget, Forest Policy, Forest Act, Forest Regulations, the Forest Fire Management Strategy, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, and Climate Change Policy.
Forests Ministry Secretary Dr. Deepak Kumar Kharal acknowledges that climate change has intensified wildfires, and fires, in turn, worsen climate impacts by destroying biodiversity and polluting the air. He stresses the importance of collective responsibility in fire prevention and control. “We have formed a task force with representatives from concerned agencies and are preparing to launch a forest fire control project with government and foreign assistance,” Kharal says.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority serves as Nepal’s central body for disaster response. The Ministry of Forests is the designated authority for forest fire management, with a dedicated information room at the Department of Forest and Soil Conservation. Disaster Management Committees and Environment and Disaster Management Divisions also operate at the local level. Experts emphasize that integrating efforts across these agencies is crucial for running a dedicated forest fire prevention program during the dry season from mid-February to mid-June.
Most experts suggest that door-to-door public awareness campaigns, mobilizing responsible personnel and the Nepali Army in protected areas, and using social media and educational institutions to promote fire safety could significantly enhance Nepal’s wildfire response. -- RSS
