Most forest fires caused by humans: Forest Officer

People living on forest fringes deliberately start fires to induce growth of grass for cattle grazing or crop rotation

Mulugu: ‘Firestorms’ are more dangerous forms of forest fires as they spread rapidly over a large area, Veenavani, Forest Divisional Officer (FDO), Eturunagaram, said, adding: “Crown fires and storm fires are rare in our area,” she said.

With the Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary spreading over 80,000 hectares, it has become a challenge for forest staff to put out fires. “Our staff are creating ‘firelines’ to control such incidents since the advent of the summer,” Veenavani said, adding that they had also roped in local youths to prevent fires.

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“People throw beedi/cigarette butts carelessly, starting a fire. Some also set forests on fire intentionally. A fire that spreads in summer burns at least 10 to 15 acres of the forest cover,” another official said.

Beedi leaf contractors, to induce new growth, allegedly start fires in forests with the help of beedi leaf collectors. It is said forest officials have even issued notices to these contractors and are taking measures to minimise incidents of wildfires. Most of these fires are lit by people living in the vicinity to induce the growth of grass for cattle grazing or crop rotation.

Tourists visiting Medaram and other pilgrimage places also cause fires as they set campfires and cook meals using firewood in forest areas. The forest areas along Medaram-Tadwai were gutted in a fire on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the FDO said they were getting forest fire alerts through NASA satellites. “State officials, who receive the alerts, send them to DFO and other officials,” an official said. Forest fires are seasonal, and they start in February and end in May with showers. Effects of forest fires include loss of natural regeneration, valuable medicinal herbs, wildlife, density of trees, and habitat.

“We are making 2kmx2km grids, strip firelines created with counter burning, and water bodies for wildlife. Besides, we have also procured fire extinguishing material, watchtowers and water tanks,” the official said and urged people to help them prevent forest fires. “It is every citizen’s duty as per 51 (A) (G) article to safeguard natural resources and inform police or forest officials during a fire, felling of trees, hunting of wild animals, encroachment of forest land, etc.,” he added.

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