Burning parched grass and shrubs, a fire has erupted in the Brari-Nambal neighbourhood of Babdemb, Srinagar. After a protracted and difficult struggle, firefighters were able to put the fire under control; they worked nonstop to contain it. Although the precise origin of the fire is yet unknown, local authorities believe dry weather and trash disposal could have contributed to starting the flames
Just one of several recent fire events documented in the Kashmir Valley. Forest fires have been somewhat common in the area, which has proved disastrous for the surroundings as well as for nearby towns. The reasons behind these fires, their effects, and what is being done to stop further incidents will be discussed in this paper.
Increasing Kashmir’s Forest Fire Count
Rising Forest Fires in Not too Recent Years
Forest fires in Kashmir have lately become somewhat alarming. When thick smoke from large-scale forest fires covered the Bhaderwah Valley in December 2024, the Doda area of Jammu and Kashmir issued an alert. For their health and safety, the government advised locals to remain indoors and use masks.
Over 70 forest fires were recorded in Kashmir just one month earlier, in October 2024. Two to three daily incidences of forest fires were average. Environmentalists and local officials have major worries about this increase in fire count.
Principal Reasons of Kashmir Forest Fires
Experts say that human activity along with extended dry conditions are the major causes of these fires. Though it causes fewer than 5% of the fires yearly in the area, lightning can occasionally start forest fires. The rest are brought on by human carelessness including trash disposal, abandoned cigarette butts, and even deliberate fires started by individuals for agricultural or other uses.
The region’s protracted dry period is one of the main elements causing the intensity of these flames to be such. The Kashmir Valley has been suffering a notable rainfall shortage, which has left the surrounding woods and places more dry and prone to flames.
The Dry Spell: An Important Component Affecting Forest Fires Rainfall Deficit in 2025
Starting with a worrying rainfall shortfall in Kashmir, 2025 seems to be From January 1 to 22, 2025, the area only had 11.4 mm of rainfall, a significant 81% less than the average for this period, 60.5 mm. The dry forests and grasslands left by this protracted lack of rain provide perfect conditions for rapid and unpredictably spreading flames.
The dry circumstances are a part of a greater trend of shifting weather in the area, not only of one dry season. Experts caution that rising frequency and intensity of wildfires resulting from climate change are complicating prediction and management of these flames.
Foresters’ Vulnerability to Fire
Dry weather and little rain have rendered woods more susceptible to fire. Dead leaves, dried grass, and other natural trash gather on the forest floor during dry seasons to give plenty of fuel for fast fire spread. Once a fire starts, it may rapidly spread out of control and destroy the local economy as well as the surroundings over wide distances.
Attempts at Kashmir’s forest fire control
Efforts at Firefighting in Babdemb and Additional Areas
Local firemen have been working nonstop to confine and put out the flames in response to the rising count of fires. For example, the fire that started in Babdemb, Srinagar, needed great effort from firemen who battled the flames for hours. Though the damage to the dry grass and plants was significant, fortunately they were able to contain the fire.
Although firefighters remain the first line of protection against these fires, the difficult terrain and fast spread of the flames—particularly in dry conditions—often impede their efforts.
The Part Drones Play in Tracking Forest Fires
The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has firstly used drones to fight the rising frequency of fires. Monitoring fire-prone regions with these drones helps officials to spot flames early on and respond quickly. The real-time data the drones offer helps firemen plan and more wisely allocate resources.
Monitoring forest fires and stopping their spread from here has changed everything. Using drones allows authorities to rapidly pinpoint hotspots and stop more general epidemics before they do significant harm.
Public Knowledge and Safety precautions
How Readers Might Contribute to Stop Forest Fires
Local authorities are working to stop forest fires; public knowledge is thus rather important in avoiding such events. Authorities are advising the people to stay away from events that can unintentionally cause a fire. Some of the main safety precautions consist in:
Steering clear of cigarette butt disposal in dry environments: Easy ignition of dry grass by cigarettes butts results in a fire.
Appropriate waste disposal: Dumping trash—especially plastic—into woods or close to parched grass can start fires. One must dispose of garbage properly.
Noting flames right away: Immediately report any fire you find to local authorities to help to minimise damage.
The Value of Moderation During Droughs
Residents should especially be very careful during dry spells. Local officials advise keeping alert, avoiding any activity that can unintentionally start a fire, and acting early in reporting any smoke or fire indicators. Communities may also cooperate to raise knowledge about fire safety and preserve their surroundings.
End
The latest fire in Babdemb, Srinagar, reminds us of the growing danger forest fires pose for Kashmir. Dry weather, human activity, and a lack of rainfall all combined to provide the ideal environment for fast spreading fires. Modern technologies, including drones, and more public awareness assist to lessen the effects of these fires, nevertheless.
Although authorities are still working to stop forest fires, citizen involvement is crucial in order to stop further events. Each of us may help to preserve Kashmir’s gorgeous woods and the communities depending on them by being careful, properly disposed of garbage, and reporting any indicators of fire. source freepresskashmir
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