KATHMANDU: The occurrence of above-average pre-monsoon rainfall has significantly reduced forest fire incidents across Nepal this year, according to meteorological experts and official data.
The period between mid-March and mid-April is generally considered the peak season for forest fires in Nepal due to dry weather conditions. However, this year only a limited number of incidents were reported during this high-risk period.
Officials say the reduction is mainly attributed to early and relatively higher pre-monsoon rainfall, which helped maintain moisture levels in forests.
According to data from the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, 466 forest fire incidents were recorded in Chaitra 2078 BS. The number dropped to 267 in Chaitra 2079, followed by 249 incidents in Chaitra 2080. It rose again to 331 in Chaitra 2081 BS.
However, in Chaitra 2082 BS, only 79 incidents have been recorded so far, marking the lowest figure in recent years.
Overall annual data shows that forest fire incidents stood at 2,162 in 2078 BS, decreased to 1,270 in 2079 BS, then increased to 2,055 in 2080 BS and further to 3,047 in 2081 BS. In 2082 BS, 424 incidents have been recorded so far.
Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Govinda Prasad Sharma, said rainfall prior to the monsoon season played a key role in reducing fire outbreaks this year.
“This year there was no major problem related to forest fires. However, forest fire management was discussed in a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Wednesday. The purchase of drones for fire control was also proposed,” he said.
The meeting also decided to manage necessary resources for disaster prevention and response using allocated ministry budgets, while seeking additional funds from the Ministry of Finance if required.
Monthly analysis shows that forest fires are most frequent in Baisakh. In Baisakh alone, 1,204 incidents were recorded in 2078 BS, 609 in 2079 BS, 1,270 in 2080 BS, and 1,904 in 2081 BS. However, the number dropped significantly to 173 incidents in Baisakh 2082 BS.
Reports indicate that nearly 89 percent of forest fires occur between mid-February and mid-April, making this period highly vulnerable to wildfire outbreaks.
Long-term data highlights 2016 as the most severe wildfire year, while recent years have also seen elevated risks, particularly in 2021 and 2024.
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