Nine Districts Placed at High Risk of Forest Fire

Authorities have identified nine districts in Nepal as being at high risk of forest fires as the dry season intensifies across the country. Officials from the Department of Forests said rising temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have created favorable conditions for the rapid spread of fires.

The high-risk districts include several areas in the Tarai and mid-hill regions, where forest cover is dense and human activity is frequent. In recent weeks, multiple small fires have already been reported, prompting concern among local administrations and disaster management agencies.

Forest officials have urged local communities to remain alert and avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning agricultural waste or careless disposal of cigarettes. Rapid response teams and monitoring units have been mobilized to detect and control fires at an early stage.

Experts warn that forest fires not only damage biodiversity but also threaten settlements, agriculture, and air quality. The government has called for stronger coordination between security forces, local governments, and community forest user groups to reduce the risk and protect forest resources during the dry season.