Expanding Forest Fire Season in Uttarakhand: Women Lead the Fight
Expanding Forest Fire Season in Uttarakhand: Women Lead the Fight
IN · Published Sep 9, 2026
Uttarakhand, the most fire-prone state in the Indian Western Himalayas, is experiencing an alarming expansion of its forest fire season.
Traditionally lasting 12 weeks from mid-March, fires now occur even during winter, disrupting what was once the snow season.

Impact & Risks

Forest fires in Uttarakhand are severely affecting rural communities, particularly women who depend on forests for essential resources. The fires disrupt daily chores, force women to venture deeper into forests, and pose risks to homes and livestock. Injuries such as burns and falls are common among women fighting fires without protective gear. The expanding fire season also threatens biodiversity and accelerates ecosystem degradation. Villages near forests face heightened risks of property damage, while the health impacts of smoke and ash are felt across the region. The lack of formal support and compensation further exacerbates the challenges faced by these communities.

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