A series of forest fires have erupted across Jammu & Kashmir, significantly raising alarm over environmental safety and community risk in the Union Territory. On 22–23 January 2026, a large blaze ignited in the Khygam Pakherpora area, rapidly spreading due to unusually strong and gusty winds that have buffeted the region, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue an orange alert.
Simultaneously, a massive fire in the Tangloo area of Anantnag district mobilised urgent action from Social Forestry and Territorial staff, who are working round-the-clock to contain the flames. Officials have urged local residents to steer clear of affected zones and follow safety directives as firefighting operations continue.
The flurry of fires comes amid a broader pattern of elevated forest fire risk linked to dry weather conditions and windstorms that have damaged property, disrupted power supply, and triggered multiple blazes across the Kashmir Valley and beyond.
Fires Escalate as Winds Batter the Valley
Strong and gusty winds sweeping across Jammu & Kashmir have emerged as a key driver behind both the spread and intensity of the recent forest fires. On 22 January, high-velocity gusts reaching speeds of up to 83 kmph in Srinagar uprooted trees, damaged rooftops, snapped power lines, and contributed to fire outbreaks at multiple sites, including the Khygam Pakherpora and Tangloo zones.
The Weather Department’s orange alert warned of continuing strong winds, thundershowers, lightning and varying rainfall across several districts, underscoring the volatile conditions that exacerbated the fires.
Divisional Forest Officer Mohammad Ashraf Katoo, who also holds additional charge of Anantnag, told reporters that fires were not limited to a single location, but were raging in multiple spots across Anantnag and neighbouring Kulgam district including Manzmoh, Verinag, Lammer, Akhal, and Pranhal.
Forest teams, fire services, and disaster volunteers are engaged in continuous firefighting efforts, building fire lines and conducting back-burning operations where feasible to prevent further spread. Authorities have also coordinated with police units to manage road clearances and ensure public safety during operations.
The disruptive weather has not just fuelled fires but also triggered widespread disruption in power supply and infrastructure, with several districts reporting outages and structural damage. The combination of dry conditions and wind activity has strained emergency services, stretching resources as teams respond to multiple incidents.
Why Fires Are More Frequent and Severe
Experts and officials point to a combination of dry weather patterns, strong winds linked to Western Disturbances, and the abundance of dry undergrowth as key factors behind the surge in forest fires across Jammu & Kashmir.
The region has experienced below-normal rainfall and snow cover this season, leading to drier forests and higher susceptibility to ignition. Such conditions align with broader climate trends that scientists say are prolonging dry spells and increasing fire risk even during months traditionally associated with snow and moisture retention.
Historical forest fire data paints a concerning picture: in the 2024–25 year, Jammu & Kashmir recorded 1,243 forest fire incidents, affecting over 3,500 hectares of land significantly higher than in previous years. While most fires were classified as ground fires affecting grass and shrubs rather than the full forest canopy, the yearly figures underscore a rising trend in fire frequency and severity.
Officials have highlighted existing policies like the J&K Forest Policy of 2011 and a 20-year State Action Plan on Forest Fire Management to mitigate such incidents, alongside funding support from national schemes.
The recent outbreak in Shopian where a blaze ignited in the forested Chowan area days before the current emergencies also indicates that fires are beginning earlier in the season than expected, challenging traditional seasonal fire cycles. Fire and Emergency Services, alongside local forest departments, have been pressed into service to support containment measures and monitor vulnerable areas.
Authorities and Residents Respond Amid Rising Risk
In response to the mounting fires and extreme weather conditions, authorities have issued multiple advisories urging citizens to take precautions. Beyond staying clear of active fire zones, residents have been warned about the broader implications of dry weather and wind conditions, including potential property damage and power interruptions.
Fire and Emergency Services have also shared winter safety advisories that include precautions against accidental household fires particularly relevant during periods of dry cold weather when indoor heating is more common.
Local communities and volunteers have played a supportive role, assisting forest teams with navigation, supplying water points, and helping establish control lines in tough terrain. Despite these efforts, officials acknowledge the challenges of the current situation, particularly given the unpredictable winds and the sheer number of hotspots that have emerged across the region.
Environmentalists, too, have expressed concern over not only fire management but also long-term ecological impacts citing threats to biodiversity, soil health, and the traditional livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. They argue that improving early warning systems, expanding community awareness campaigns, and reinforcing sustainable land management practice are critical in reducing future fire risks.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The recent spate of forest fires in Jammu & Kashmir is more than a series of isolated environmental events it is a wake-up call about our collective relationship with nature, climate resilience, and community safety. While the quick mobilisation of forestry staff, fire services, and volunteers is laudable, it also highlights an urgent need for proactive prevention, grassroots engagement, and climate-responsive planning that goes beyond firefighting alone.
