Forest Fire

Throughout World's history, forest fires commonly referred to as wildfires, have arisen naturally. But in recent times, wildfires have become more frequent, intense, and widespread worldwide, posing serious risks to economies, ecosystems, and public safety.

There are many different factors that might start a wildfire, including human activity like irresponsible behavior, changes in land use, and circumstances brought on by climate change, as well as natural events like lightning strikes. Uncontrolled flames that arise in grasslands, forests, or other wildlands are referred to as forest fires, often called wildfires.

Due to wind, other weather elements, and dry grass, these fires may spread quickly. While some fires start spontaneously as a result of lightning strikes or volcanic eruptions, many are started by people using machinery, leaving cigarettes unattended near campfires, setting arson, or abandoning cigarettes. These fires may spread quickly, consuming large areas of land and having a major negative impact on the environment, the economy, and society.

They are caused by a mix of dry vegetation, high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. A global scenario of forest fires reveals that tropical regions are most impacted, accounting for around 4% of all forest areas worldwide that have been destroyed by fire.

Forest fires are important for preserving biodiversity, removing dead vegetation, encouraging new growth, and reshaping ecosystems. But they can have disastrous effects if they happen on an unprecedented scale or with unprecedented intensity.

Numerous causes, including land management techniques, human expansion into wildland regions, and climate change, have contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide. Strategies for prevention, detection, suppression, and rehabilitation are all used in the management and control of forest fires. Campaigns for public education, laws against outdoor burning, and land-use planning to reduce the danger of fire are examples of preventive approaches. Human observation and remote sensing tools like satellites and drones are examples of detection techniques.

Forest fires, although often seen as destructive, can sometimes provide advantages to local tribal people as well as to ecosystems also in a number of ways when they happen naturally and are controlled. First of all, they are essential to the ecological process because they remove dead plants, which makes it possible for nutrients to be recycled back into the soil and promote new growth by clearing away old vegetation and allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. This can lead to the regeneration of valuable plant species that are important for the subsistence and cultural practices of tribal communities, such as medicinal plants, food sources, and materials for traditional crafts.

Additionally, some plant species have evolved to depend on periodic fires for seed germination, ensuring their survival and diversity. Through traditional knowledge and practices, tribal people have often coexisted with fire as a natural part of their environment, utilizing its benefits for their livelihoods while minimizing its negative impacts. Therefore, when managed properly, forest fires can play a beneficial role in the lives of local tribal communities.

Satabadi Sahoo

APRF, Odisha