Fire incidents dominate disaster statistics in Nepal, authority urges caution

Kathmandu. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, out of a total of 7,648 disaster incidents recorded over the past year, fire and forest fire-related incidents are the most frequent.

The high frequency of fire incidents highlights the urgent need for government agencies to show equal concern and proactive measures for safety.

The Authority's data indicates that special precautions must be taken to mitigate fire and related incidents. The Authority states that the significant loss of life and property is largely due to a lack of caution, insufficient public awareness, and the tendency to set fires in forests and on dry materials.

According to the Authority, from Baisakh 1 to Chaitra 27, there have been 3,720 fire incidents across the country. These fires have resulted in 105 deaths, 571 injuries, and have affected 4,260 families.

During the same period, there were 328 forest fire incidents, resulting in two deaths, three injuries, and affecting 58 families.

The Authority has been urging everyone to adopt special safety measures, keep flammable materials away from fire sources, conduct awareness campaigns, and implement other preventive measures to avoid fires.

According to the Authority, between the morning of Chaitra 27 and the morning of Chaitra 28, there were 19 disaster incidents nationwide, 16 of which were fires. As fire incidents are more frequent during the dry season, the Authority has reiterated its request for active caution. The Ministry of Forests and Environment has also mobilized its agencies to control forest fires and fire incidents.

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