Wildfires damage nearly 100 hectares of forest this year

KATHMANDU: This year, wildfires have caused significant damage to approximately 100 hectares of forest land in the district.

According to the Division Forest Office, 99 hectares across 28 community forests have been affected by the fires.

Forest Officer Binay Bahadur Adhikari reported that the most severe damage occurred in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, where nine community forests were impacted.

Fires were also reported in several other areas, including four community forests in Malika Rural Municipality, two in Mangala Rural Municipality, four in Raghuganga Rural Municipality, six in Annapurna Rural Municipality, and three in the city of Beni.

“Compared to previous years, the extent of wildfires this year has been less,” stated Officer Adhikari. “The rain on Friday and Saturday helped extinguish the recent fires, leaving the forest areas clear and beautiful.”

Officer Adhikari highlighted that illegal hunting and the careless use of fire for grassland management were among the main causes of the wildfires.

Shepherds, believing that fire promotes the growth of better grass, have been known to set fires in forests and steep areas.

Additionally, hunters use fire to drive away wildlife and birds, further contributing to the issue.

The district is home to 229,706 hectares of forest area, covering 36.76% of the land.

Shrubland accounts for 1.85%, while grazing areas make up 21.27%.

There are 310 community forest user groups in the district.

In response to the wildfire problem, the Division Forest Office has been facilitating community-based forest management programs, forming wildfire control networks, and constructing firebreaks.

Officer Vishnu Adhikari stated that necessary materials and support have also been provided to security agencies for better wildfire control efforts.

Here are some key strategies for safeguarding forests from the devastating impact of wildfires:

1. Fire Prevention

• Controlled Burns (Prescribed Fire): One of the most effective methods to reduce the fuel load in forests (such as dry leaves, dead trees, and brush) is through controlled or prescribed burning. This is carefully managed by experts to ensure that the fire remains under control and helps prevent larger, uncontrollable wildfires.

• Reducing Human Activity: Educate the public about fire safety, including responsible camping practices, avoiding fire-starting activities during dry seasons, and not leaving campfires unattended. Stricter regulations on burning during high-risk periods can also be enforced.

• Fire-Resistant Landscaping: For forests near communities, fire-resistant plants and creating defensible spaces around homes and structures can help reduce fire risk.

• Fire Bans During Dry Seasons: Implementing temporary fire bans during peak fire seasons (usually when the forest is extremely dry) helps prevent accidental fires.

2. Fire Breaks and Fire Lines

• Creating Firebreaks: Firebreaks are gaps in vegetation or areas cleared of all flammable materials that act as barriers to slow or stop the spread of wildfires. These can be natural barriers like rivers or rocky areas or man-made interventions like wide, cleared strips of land.

• Fire Lines: These are cleared paths or trenches created to stop the progress of wildfires. These can be strategically placed in high-risk areas to act as containment zones.

3. Forest Management

• Thinning Dense Forests: By selectively removing excess trees and underbrush, forests become less dense and more resistant to the spread of fire. This reduces the overall fuel load and helps protect remaining trees.

• Healthy Forest Ecosystems: Maintaining biodiversity and a healthy forest ecosystem can make forests more resilient to fire. This includes ensuring a mix of tree species and preventing forest diseases, which can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to fire.

• Invasive Species Control: Some invasive plant species are highly flammable and increase the risk of fire. Controlling or removing these species can help mitigate the risk.

4. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Community Awareness Programs: Educating local communities, farmers, and forest users about fire prevention methods is key. Teaching people how to manage fire in a safe and controlled manner, especially in rural or remote areas, can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires.

• Involving Local Firefighters and Agencies: Local communities should be trained and equipped to handle wildfires. Establishing fire response teams with necessary equipment (such as fire pumps and fire-resistant gear) ensures rapid intervention when a fire starts.

• Collaboration with Local and National Authorities: Forest protection often involves coordinating with local authorities, environmental agencies, and security forces to develop comprehensive fire prevention and control plans.

5. Rapid Response and Early Detection

• Fire Detection Systems: Early detection of wildfires is crucial. Technology like drones, satellite imaging, and lookout towers can help spot fires in their early stages. The faster a fire is detected, the quicker resources can be mobilized to control it.

• Emergency Plans and Equipment: Establishing rapid-response teams with the proper equipment (fire trucks, helicopters, and water sources) is vital for fighting fires when they occur. These teams should practice firefighting drills and maintain high preparedness levels.

• Monitoring Weather Conditions: Fire-prone regions should closely monitor weather conditions, particularly during dry spells or when high winds are expected. This can help predict and mitigate the spread of fires.

6. Post-Fire Restoration

• Soil Erosion Control: After a wildfire, forest ecosystems can be more vulnerable to soil erosion. Implementing erosion control measures, like planting grass or using mulching, can help stabilize the soil and prevent further damage to the forest.

• Reforestation: In areas severely affected by fire, planting new trees (reforestation) helps restore the forest ecosystem. This should be done with fire-resistant species that are well-suited to the region’s climate.

7. Legislation and Policy

• Stricter Regulations and Enforcement: Governments can pass laws that regulate burning practices, implement fire bans during peak seasons, and impose penalties for negligent fire-related activities.

• Fire Safety Building Codes: In areas near forests, building codes should require fire-resistant materials and defensible spaces to protect structures from wildfires.

• Incentives for Sustainable Practices: Provide financial incentives to landowners who implement fire prevention and sustainable land management practices.

8. Technological Advancements

• Fire-Resistant Technology: Research into fire-resistant materials and technologies can be applied not only to construction but also to forest management, such as creating fire-resistant mulch or coatings for trees and vegetation.

• Using Drones and AI: Drones and AI can be used to monitor forest conditions, detect dry areas, and assess damage from fires. Predictive analytics can also help forecast the spread of fires and guide firefighting strategies.