Forest fires are a complex issue that necessitates coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels

Forest fires have become a global phenomenon that unleash widespread devastation and ecological disruption. These uncontrollable fires not only destroy vast tracts of land but also contribute to air pollution, climate change and massive loss of biodiversity.

In recent years, the frequency and intensity of forest fires have become more pronounced causing losses to human lives and property. Wildfires are becoming more intense and occurring with greater frequency in various countries, including Russia, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Australia and Indonesia.

This trend is driven by a combination of climate change, human activities and inadequate fire management. Globally five per cent of wildfires start naturally and in the US, around 80 per cent of fires are started by human activities. It is crucial to address the underlying causes of these fires and implement effective policy measures to mitigate their devastating impact.

Lessons from LA

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles serve as a crucial reminder of the devastating impact of these disasters. As part of California, Los Angeles is all too familiar with the destruction caused by forest fires.

The region’s dry Mediterranean climate, coupled with dense vegetation and strong winds, particularly during the summer and fall, creates a highly susceptible environment for these fires.

According to preliminary estimates by Morningstar Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS), the Los Angeles wildfires are poised to become the top ten costly natural disasters in over a century, with insured losses projected to reach a staggering $30 billion. In addition to economic losses, 29 people were killed, 57, 636 acres burnt, and 16,224 structures were destroyed due to 337 wildfires (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection).

In addition to the economic losses caused by the Los Angeles wildfire, data from the Global Forest Watch database reveals that between 2001 and 2023, 138 million hectares (Mha) of tree cover were lost due to wildfires. This loss represents 28 per cent of all tree cover loss worldwide during that period.

The highest rate of tree cover loss occurred in Russia, with a maximum of 2.53 Mha lost. Canada follows with a loss of 1.56 Mha, the United States with 553,000 hectares (kha), Australia with 281 kha and Indonesia with 127 kha of tree cover lost.

Additionally, according to a report from the EM-DAT database, 10,241 people were killed due to forest fires globally between 2001 and 2024.

The frequency and severity of forest fires have adversely impacted both private and public properties, resulting in increased economic losses worldwide.

According to the Swiss Re Institute, insured losses from wildfires amounted to $3 billion  between 1985 and 1994, representing three per cent of total economic losses from all disasters.

Furthermore, these economic losses have increased dramatically, with insured losses from wildfires totaling $78 billion (in 2024 USD) from 2015 to 2024, accounting for seven per cent of the total economic losses from all disasters.

Additionally, forest fires lead to carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, which adds around five to eight billion tonnes of CO2 each year globally, leading to health impacts from air pollution (Samborska and Ritchie, 2024).

Takeaways for India

India faces significant challenges due to forest fires. Despite its rich and diverse forest cover, which is essential for maintaining the country’s ecological balance and regulating the climate.

These fires have detrimental effects on biodiversity, ecological stability, the economy, and local livelihoods.

According to data from the Global Wildfire Information System, the number of forest fires in India increased from 21288 in 2012 to 22137 in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 0.4 per cent.

Approximately 95 per cent of these forest fires are attributed to human activities, while the remaining five per cent occur due to natural causes such as lightning strikes, as indicated in the Forest Fires in India report.

Furthermore, data from Global Forest Watch reveals that India lost about 1.65 million hectares of forest due to fires between 2001 and 2023. In terms of global ranking, India is 45th out of 215 countries in tree cover loss caused by wildfires.

India frequently experiences forest fires, particularly during the dry season. The India State of Forest Report 2023 confirms that the country's total forest and tree cover is 827,357 square kilometers, which accounts for 25.17 per cent of its total land area.

Of this, 715,343 square kilometers (21.76 per cent) are classified as forest cover, while 112,014 square kilometers (3.41 per cent) consist of tree cover.

The state with the largest forest and tree cover area is Madhya Pradesh, with 85,724 square kilometers, followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 67,083 square kilometers and Maharashtra at 65,383 square kilometers. According to the ISFR 2021, 2.81 per cent of the country's forest cover is extremely prone to fires, 7.85 per cent is very highly fire-prone, and 11.61 per cent is classified as high fire-prone.

The impact of forest fires in India is complex and far-reaching. Immediate consequences include the loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and air pollution.

Additionally, these fires contribute to the release of greenhouse gases, which exacerbate climate change and its associated effects.

Wildfires lead to an annual increase of 1.5 billion tonnes in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Not only do these fires harm plant and animal life, but they also pose health risks due to air pollution and disrupt the livelihoods of communities that rely on forest resources for their sustenance.

The Indian government has launched various initiatives to reduce the effects of forest fires. In 2018, it implemented the National Action Plan on Forest Fire (NAPFF), which aims to empower communities living on the outskirts of forests.

This plan incentivises these communities to collaborate with state forest departments, enhances their capabilities, and provides training for forest personnel to effectively use modern technology in the fight against forest fires.

The central government has also allocated financial assistance to state governments under the Centrally Sponsored Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme. These funds are utilised for creating and maintaining fire lines, raising awareness among local communities about fire protection, and procuring firefighting equipment, among other measures. However, so far, these incentives have proven insufficient in preventing forest fires.

Public education on fire safety, along with fire prevention training for communities in fire-prone areas, is crucial. Governments should invest in community-based fire management programs, training residents in rural and forested areas to identify fire hazards using advanced technology. Additionally, setting up forest control rooms and strengthening the Joint Forest Management system will encourage active community participation in fire prevention efforts.

The Forest Survey of India uses satellite technology to monitor and detect fires at an early stage. It is essential for governments to increase their investment in fire management. Additionally, public-private partnerships should be established to fund research in fire-resistant plant species and fire suppression technologies. Addressing global warming through effective climate change mitigation policies is essential, as climate change contributes to the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Governments should establish carbon emission reduction targets and transition to renewable energy sources to minimise long-term fire risks. Additionally, protecting and restoring forests through reforestation and afforestation can improve their resilience against fires.

Forest fires are a complex issue that necessitates coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels. These efforts are vital to prevent future fires and safeguard both the environment and human populations from growing threats.

Authors: Prof. Prakash Kumar Sahoo, Faculty of Economics, Government College (Sundargarh); Prof. Yashobanta Parida, Faculty of Economics, FLAME University; & Prof. Joyita Roy Chowdhury, Faculty of Economics, FLAME University.