Nepal Sees Significant Drop in Wildfire Incidents Due to Early Pre-Monsoon Rains

Kathmandu. This year, wildfire incidents in Nepal have not been as frequent as in the past. From February onwards, incidents of fire in forests, public places, and even private property used to be quite common. This period is considered the main 'season' for wildfires.

However, it is currently raining in various parts of the country. Some places have even experienced heavy rainfall, which environmentalists say has led to a decrease in fire incidents compared to the past.

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, 312 wildfire incidents have been registered across the country from July 17 of the current fiscal year 2082/83 to May 17. This number is nearly three times less than in the previous fiscal year 2080/81.

Rain Brings Relief

According to officials from the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, the early activation of pre-monsoon rains in March-May this year has naturally helped in controlling wildfires. 'Compared to last year, wildfires have significantly decreased this year. The main reason for this is the timely rainfall,' said an official from the ministry. 'The pre-monsoon started a bit earlier, and as the temperature rose, it rained intermittently. This reduced the dryness in the forest areas, and fire incidents naturally decreased.'

According to forest expert Saroj Devkota, a triangle of 'fuel, oxygen, and temperature' is required for wildfires. 'In Nepal's forests, dry leaves of Sal and other dry debris cover the ground in March-April, which acts as fuel,' he says. 'This year, the pre-monsoon became active a bit earlier. Frequent rains soaked these dry leaves and increased humidity in the environment. It is difficult for fire to ignite in wet leaves, which prevented wildfires from spreading.'

The 'peak season' for wildfires in Nepal is from the last week of March to mid-April. During this time, the temperature rises the most, and strong winds blow. 'This year, precisely during that time, the influence of westerly winds caused rainfall across the country,' adds expert Devkota. 'When wildfires could have taken a terrible form, nature itself played the role of a 'firefighter'. This caused even small fires to extinguish on their own.'

However, experts have warned against leaving this solely to luck. Dr. Devkota further adds, 'Nature cooperated this year, and the damage was less, but we must increase investment in the mobilization of local communities, the construction of firebreaks, and the use of technology for wildfire control. If the pre-monsoon is delayed next year, we could be at risk again. Therefore, we must take this current period of relief as an opportunity for preparation.'

Details of Human and Physical Damage

Since July, 3 people have lost their lives due to wildfires. Among the deceased are 2 men and 1 woman. Similarly, 3 people have been injured in wildfires, and a total of 54 families across the country have been directly affected. As wildfires originating in forests entered human settlements, physical structures have also been damaged. A total of 7 houses have been damaged, of which 4 houses have been completely destroyed. Wildfires have turned 11 sheds into ashes, and 10 livestock have died.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, an estimated economic loss of NPR 1,491,100 has occurred due to the wildfire incidents this year. However, experts say that the irreparable damage to biodiversity and the environment in the forests is difficult to measure in monetary terms.

What is the Wildfire Situation in the Last 5 Years?

Looking at the data from the past five years, there is significant fluctuation in wildfires in Nepal. Fiscal year 2080/81 has been the most devastating year for wildfires in Nepal, with 965 incidents.

Fiscal Year Wildfire Incidents

2077/78: 93

2078/79: 83

2079/80: 268

2080/81: 965

2081/82: 751

2082/83 (up to May 17): 312

Need for Awareness

According to forest experts, although wildfires have decreased this year due to rain, the risk has not yet passed. More than 90 percent of wildfires are caused by human negligence (e.g., discarding cigarette butts, not extinguishing fires after picnics, setting fires to promote new grass growth).

As the dry season will continue for some more time, experts have urged to exercise extreme caution when lighting fires near forest areas and to immediately inform local authorities or security agencies if a wildfire is spotted. Public participation in controlling forest fires is essential for the protection of biodiversity and human safety.