In just the first four months of this year, police have recorded 25 forest fire incidents across the country with Thimphu topping the list. Police say this figure is unusually high compared to previous years. While some fires were linked to electrical faults and careless burning, the causes of many remain unknown.
Thimphu reported the highest number of forest fire cases with seven, followed by Paro and Monggar with three cases each.
According to the police, the exact cause of most forest fire incidents remains undetermined. However, in a few incidents, causes such as electric short circuits, negligent burning, and garden and orchard burning have been identified.
Police said that the cause of 12 forest fires remains unknown. Six were caused by electrical short circuits, while two were due to negligent burning.
Recently, several fires have been reported in western Bhutan. Two fires in Haa and Paro burned for several weeks before being fully contained. In Thimphu, two separate fire incidents occurred last month in Dangrina and Debsi.
In the wake of growing fire incidents, the police will soon be conducting a second consultation meeting with relevant stakeholders to finalise their respective responsibilities and outline the way forward for effectively addressing forest fire cases in the country.
In the past five years, police have recorded more than 130 forest fire cases.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Tshering Zam
