Forest fire observed in several parts of Uttarakhand

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In some regions of Uttarakhand, fires were doused with the help of a Bambi bucket, a specialised aerial fire-fighting tool used to pour water in targeted areas.

About Forest Fire
- Any uncontrolled and non-prescribed burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, which consumes natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography).
- As per India State of Forest Report 2021,
  - Odisha reported highest forest fires between November 2020 and June 2021, followed by Madhya Pradesh.
  - More than 36% of country’s forest cover has been estimated to be prone to frequent forest fires.

Causes of forest fires
- Natural factors: Lightning strike, increased temperature and dryness, friction created by rubbing of branches etc.
- Man-made factors: Spark from cigarette, carelessly setting farmlands on fire, etc.

Impact of forest fire
- Deforestation, loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat, soil erosion affecting productivity of soils etc.

Steps taken to protect forest fires
- National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018.
- Forest Survey of India Van Agni Geo-portal for single point of information on forest fire.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits setting fire in wildlife sanctuaries.

Construction of watch towers for early detection.
Involvement of local communities, and creation and maintenance of fire-lines.
- Two types of fire lines are in practice.
  - In Kaccha fire-lines, undergrowth and shrubs are removed while trees are retained to decrease fuel load.
  - Pucca fire-lines are clear felled areas separating a forest/compartment/block from another to control spread of potential fires.