The current approach to forest fire management in India leaves ecosystems and forest-dependent communities vulnerable to increasing fire risks driven by climate change. The lack of integration of climate variables into fire risk assessments and the focus on suppression rather than prevention or adaptation could exacerbate the impact of forest fires. This poses risks to biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the livelihoods of communities reliant on forests. Without a shift towards a more adaptive governance framework, the long-term resilience of India's forests and the communities they support may be compromised.