The Global Crisis of Forest Fires

Introduction

Crisis of forest fires, once an integral component of certain ecosystems’ natural cycles, have evolved into a global crisis with far-reaching consequences. This blog examines the current state of forest fires worldwide, with a particular focus on recent events in India and the United States. It explores the causes, impacts, and potential mitigation strategies for this escalating environmental and humanitarian issue.

Why in News?

Uttarakhand, India, has seen a surge in forest fires since November 2023, with over 575 incidents burning 690 hectares. These fires, resulting from factors like rural depopulation and combustible Chir Pine forests, have caused fatalities and economic losses. Simultaneously, Los Angeles, USA, battles wildfires like the Palisades Fire, exacerbated by Santa Ana winds. Both regions are implementing mitigation strategies, highlighting the global challenge of managing and preventing forest fires.

Forest Fires in India: A Statistical Overview

An analysis of forest fire data in India reveals several key points:

1.  Vulnerability: 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to frequent fires, with 4% classified as extremely prone and 6% as very highly prone.
2. Fire Frequency: 54.40% of Indian forests experience occasional fires, 7.49% face moderately frequent fires, and 2.40% are subject to high incidence levels.
3. Forest Type Susceptibility: Dry deciduous forests are most vulnerable to severe fires, while evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests show comparatively lower susceptibility.
4. Regional Variations: In the 2023-24 period, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh reported the highest incidences of forest fires.
5. Response Efficiency: In November 2023, 67% of major forest fires in India were extinguished within 24 hours.
6. Anthropogenic Causes: Human activities are responsible for 95% of forest fires in India.
7. Environmental Impact: Forest fires contribute to global warming through the release of greenhouse gases and cause significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

Causal Factors of Lethal Forest Fires

The occurrence of lethal forest fires in India and globally can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. Climate Change: Increasing temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have created more fire-prone conditions, particularly evident in India’s diverse forest ecosystems.
2. Human Activities: Negligence and intentional burning for agricultural purposes are significant contributors. Traditional practices like slash-and-burn agriculture and the collection of non-timber forest products often lead to accidental fires.
3. Natural Factors: Certain forest types, such as dry deciduous forests in India, are inherently more susceptible to fires, especially during summer months.
4. Forest Floor Conditions: The accumulation of dry leaf litter and undergrowth increases fire risk in many areas.
5. Management Challenges: Insufficient resources for fire prevention and control, particularly in remote forest regions, hinder effective fire management. The vast and often inaccessible nature of Indian forests complicates early detection and rapid response efforts.
6. Community Engagement: Lack of community involvement and inadequate awareness about fire prevention contribute to the problem in some regions.

Global Environmental and Human Impact

The environmental consequences of forest fires are severe and far-reaching. In 2022, global wildfire and vegetation fires generated approximately 1,455 megatonnes of carbon emissions. European countries like France and Spain experienced their highest emissions levels since at least 2003. These emissions contribute significantly to global warming and climate change.

The human cost of forest fires is equally significant. Beyond the immediate threat to life, fires result in the loss of homes, disruption of communities, economic hardship, and long-term health problems caused by smoke inhalation and air pollution.

Strategies for Prevention and Management

Technological Advancements

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) employs satellite data for tracking major fires, exemplifying the potential of technology in fire management. Similar systems exist globally, highlighting the need for international collaboration in sharing information, resources, and best practices.

Geospatial technology plays a crucial role in forest fire management in India. Remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to create risk assessment maps using satellite imagery and topographic data. The Fire Risk Index method considers factors such as vegetation type, slope, and human activity to identify high-risk zones.

Community-Based Management

Engaging local communities and leveraging indigenous knowledge is essential for effective fire management. In India, practices from communities like the Mizo have been incorporated into fire prevention strategies. The involvement of Village Councils in regulatory roles and the conduct of public awareness campaigns foster local support and utilize traditional practices effectively.

Integrated Fire Management

The Integrated Fire Management (IFM) framework focuses on five key components: review, risk reduction, readiness, response, and recovery. This approach encompasses techniques such as controlled burns, the creation of firebreaks, and the implementation of early detection systems. Sustainable forest management practices contribute to long-term fire risk reduction.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government has launched programs such as the National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF) and the Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM). These initiatives aim to work with communities and improve forest management practices.

Local Efforts

Grassroots initiatives like “Jungle Ke Dost” (Friends of the Forest) in Sitlakhet, Uttarakhand, demonstrate the potential of local communities taking ownership of fire management.

Conclusion

The global forest fire crisis demands a multifaceted approach addressing the intricate relationship between climate change, human activities, and natural fire cycles. Effective strategies must be proactive, adaptable, and collaborative, integrating past lessons with cutting-edge technologies and management practices to mitigate the devastating impact on ecosystems and communities. This necessitates a shift from reactive measures to proactive prevention, encompassing improved land management, community education, and advanced early detection technologies. Adapting to climate change realities is crucial, involving techniques like controlled burns and firebreaks. International cooperation, exemplified by networks such as the Global Wildland Fire Network, is essential for knowledge and resource sharing. By combining scientific understanding with community engagement and technological innovation, we can work towards significantly reducing the threat of devastating forest fires. This comprehensive approach aims to protect both natural ecosystems and human societies, creating a more resilient future in the face of this global challenge.

Citations:

• Major Forest Fires
• Forest fires: Impact on Green Cover
• Prevention of Forest Fires
• Forest Protection (FPD)
• Uttarakhand forests burn while fire guards face outstanding salaries and lack of resources
• ‘Santa Ana’ winds and climate change: What is behind wildfires blazing in Southern California? | Explained News – The Indian Express
• FSI- Forest fire activities

Prelims MCQ:

Consider the following statements regarding forest fires in India:

1. Approximately 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to frequent fires, with dry deciduous forests being the most vulnerable.

2. Human activities account for 95% of forest fires in India.

3. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses geospatial technology, such as GIS and satellite imagery, to track forest fires.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3

Explanation:

1. Statement 1 is correct: Approximately 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to frequent fires, with dry deciduous forests being the most susceptible due to the accumulation of dry leaf litter and other combustible material.

2. Statement 2 is correct: Human activities, such as negligence and slash-and-burn agriculture, are responsible for 95% of forest fires in India, making them a major anthropogenic cause.

3. Statement 3 is correct: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses advanced geospatial technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery to monitor forest fires and create risk assessment maps.

Thus, all three statements are correct.

Mains Question:

Q. Forest fires have evolved from being a natural ecological phenomenon to a global environmental crisis. Discuss the major causes and impacts of forest fires, with special reference to India. Suggest effective mitigation strategies to address this growing challenge. (250 words)