Forest Fires Surge Across Maharashtra as Pune Records Highest February Temperatures Since 2014; Katraj Hill Blaze Scorches 5 Acres

Maharashtra, including Pune, has been grappling with unusually high temperatures since January, leading to a sharp rise in forest fire incidents across the state. According to data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), 97 major forest fire incidents have been reported from January to date, with 11 fires still active in the last 24 hours. Forest officials anticipate a further increase in incidents with the onset of summer and dry grass conditions.

FSI Alerts and Preventive Measures

Deepak Pawar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune forest department, stated that most fire alerts received from the FSI system pertained to areas outside or near forest boundaries. He explained, “The satellite detects fires within a two to three-kilometer radius of forested areas, triggering warnings due to the potential threat to forest cover. Upon receiving alerts, our team conducts inspections and takes necessary actions promptly.”

In anticipation of rising incidents, the Pune forest department has directed all range forest officers to establish fire lines by February 15. Pawar added, “We are setting up watch towers at identified hotspots and assigning personnel to monitor forest ranges in collaboration with joint forest management committees.”

Record-Breaking Temperatures Drive Forest Fire Risk

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Maharashtra has experienced above-normal temperatures since January. The state recorded an average temperature of 31.3°C in January, 1.5°C above normal. Pune set a new January record with a maximum temperature of 35.9°C. The average maximum temperature for Pune during the first half of February reached 34.4°C, the highest for this period since 2014.

Senior IMD meteorologist S D Sanap attributed the temperature rise to the absence of strong cool winds from the north. He warned that the higher temperatures, combined with dry conditions, significantly increase the risk of forest fires across Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Among Top States for Forest Fires

Nationwide data from the FSI revealed that India recorded 1,062 large forest fire incidents from January to date. Karnataka reported the highest number with 243 incidents, followed by Telangana (118), Andhra Pradesh (98), and Maharashtra (97).

Major Fire at Katraj Hill Scorches Five Acres

In Pune, a significant forest fire at Katraj Hill on February 15 burned at least five acres of land, marking the largest forest fire of the year. The Pune forest department has filed a case against unknown individuals under sections 26 (1), B, C, and D of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

Range Forest Officer Suresh Varak stated, “This is the most severe forest fire in Pune this year. Investigating the cause is challenging due to the absence of CCTV cameras in the area and the heavy traffic from the nearby highway.”

Previous Incidents Across Pune District

Other significant forest fires in Pune this year include one at Taljai Hill, which burned nearly one hectare of land, and another at Sinhagad Fort, where approximately 2.5 hectares were charred. Several smaller fires have also been reported across the district since January.