KOCHI: As the temperature is soaring, the threat of forest fires is also on the rise in Kerala. As per details from the forest department, 106 forest fire incidents have been reported in the state till March 14, this year.
Nearly 259 hectares of forest land were affected by fire so far. Most fire incidents this year were reported in Idukki and Kottayam areas until summer showers brought some respite two weeks ago. Forest officials in Thrissur and Palakkad are on tenterhooks as the threat of forest fire looms large there as temperature is rising.
One of the major fire incidents was reported in Walayar in Palakkad and it started on Saturday afternoon. The fire could be doused only by Tuesday morning. Around 13 hectares of forest land was affected. It has been noted that most fire incidents are reported in the grasslands.
“Most incidents are ground fire. Many incidents are caused by the intervention of local residents and near colonies, and further aggravated by wind. In some incidents, we register cases. In Idukki, fire was reported in steep grasslands and near rocky areas. In such cases, fire control is very difficult. Fire in Thrissur and Palakkad started being reported only after March 10. As the temperature is rising rapidly, we are expecting more such incidents to be reported in the coming days. It is very crucial in Palakkad and Thrissur till April 15. A total of 106 forest fire incidents were reported in Kerala this year till March 14,” said the official. Of these cases, around 50 incidents were reported in plantation areas under the department where weeds catch fire, he added. Another official said the department takes up fire-preventive measures including biomass removal before the onset of summer. “When there is a chance of fire spreading to more areas, we take up counter-fire measures to prevent the spreading. Major forest fire incidents are coming down in the state in the last few years, thanks to a series of measures taken. Last such major incident was reported in Thrissur when three forest officials died,” said the officer.
