An unusual winter forest fire has broken out in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, scorching large swathes of forest across areas such as Hunera and Tilsari Mate in the Gankhet Range, and Kanda in the Dharamghar Range. This blaze is highly irregular — forest fires in the region typically begin between February and June.
The inferno has destroyed vegetation and forced terrified wildlife — including leopards and bears — to flee their habitats. As a result, several animals have ventured close to human settlements, raising fears of escalating human-wildlife conflict. Residents report sightings of leopards and bear movements near villages, causing panic and insecurity.
Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze, hampered by steep terrain and dry vegetation. Authorities suspect the fire might be man-made, possibly triggered by grass burning or deliberate arson.
Experts warn that winter fires pose a grave threat to Uttarakhand’s delicate Himalayan ecology and the fragility of its forests — worsening habitat loss, endangering wildlife and increasing the risk of sustained human-animal conflict. Immediate action and strict fire-management measures are being urged to avoid long-term damage.
