Rising Forest Fires in Himachal Pradesh Linked to Climate Variability
Rising Forest Fires in Himachal Pradesh Linked to Climate Variability
IN · Published Nov 13, 2026
• A recent study highlights a significant increase in forest fire incidents in Himachal Pradesh, India, over the past two decades. The number of forest fires rose from 132 in 2004 to 1,358 in 2024, with Solan district reporting the highest number of incidents (274) during the summer and monsoon seasons of
• The study identifies a strong correlation between forest fire events and climatic factors such as potential evapotranspiration, mean temperature, and diurnal temperature variations. Key indicators like the Angstrom Index (AI) and Fuel Moisture Index (FMI) were found to be effective in predicting fire incidents, with AI values below 2.0 and FMI values below 15.0 associated with the highest number of fires.

Impact & Risks

The increasing frequency of forest fires poses a significant threat to ecosystem stability in Himachal Pradesh. Rising temperatures, particularly during the summer and monsoon seasons, are exacerbating fire risks. The study also highlights the need for improved monitoring and management strategies to mitigate the impact of these fires. Communities in fire-prone areas, especially in Solan district, are at heightened risk of property damage, loss of biodiversity, and potential health hazards due to smoke and air pollution.

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