About 10,900 acres of forest cover was lost to fire in 2011 to 2012, a recent fire record states. Seven cases were recorded in Monggar, the highest among the dzongkhags, within the same span of time.
To prevent the loss of forest cover to the fire, a three-day-training on forest fire prevention, suppression and basic safety of the fire fighters began in Thimphu, today.
A few of the challenges identified while battling and preventing forest fire are, lack of coordination, and communication gap among the fire fighters.
The Head of Forest Fire Management Section, Tandin Dorji said the workshop is for enhancing coordination and communication within the fire fighters and different stakeholders taking part in the fire suppression and prevention. “It is important for us to let them know each other, for better communication and coordination.” He also said the training will also touch upon fire fighters safety.
Bhutan lost about 44,456 acres of forest cover to fire within a span of five year till 2012. The least number of fire cases recorded was last year with about 39 as compared to 74 cases in 2008.
Records have attributed 60 percent causes of forest fire to cattle herders, who intentionally set forest on fire to stimulate the growth of lemon grass. Burning of debris, smokers throwing cigarettes without putting it out and children playing with fire were also some of the causes of the forest fire.
Dessups and forestry officials are taking part in the training.
