Maximum forest fire recorded in 2020

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 14: The year 2020 recorded the most number of forest fire in the last 18 years. As many as 11,340 forest fire incidents occurred last year. January this year also witnessing major fire destroy thousands of acres of greenery at Dzuko valley and Mount Iso, the Forest Department has rolled up its sleeves and started stationing staff at Reserve Forest Areas to mitigate and control forest fires in time.
Forest fires usually occur during wildfire season,  between January and May. Every year, forest fires-man-made or natural reduce acres of greenery to ashes and destroy natural habitat of animals and birds. They speed up the processes of global warming and climate change. The Forest Department this year is prepared to face and mitigate forest fires in time, said an official of the Department.
Forest personnel have been stationed at identified reserve forest areas. Personnel on roster basis are stationed at Gwarok Reserve Forest, Uyan Mamang Ching and Khongjom Mondum Reserve Forest areas in Thoubal district.
Fire lines have been made to stop spread of possible fires at Langol Reserve Forest, Heingang Reserve Forest and Nongmaiching Reserve Forest areas, the official said.
He further stated that the year 2020 recorded most incidents of forest fire in the last 18 years. As many as 11,340 forest fire incidents occurred from January till May and they peaked in March.
January recorded 116 forest fire incidents, February recorded 366, March-6832, April-3877 and May reported 149.
The year 2003 recorded 3143 forest fire incidents; 2004 recorded 4083; 2005 recorded 2872; 2006 recorded 4106; 2007 recorded 3342; 2008 recorded 2755; 2009 recorded 4305; 2010 recorded 4144; 2011 recorded 2734; 2012 recorded 3878; 2013 recorded 3128; 2014 recorded 3922; 2015 recorded 2863; 2016 recorded 2088; 2017 recorded the least forest fires-1641; 2018 recorded 2259 and 2019 recorded 7932 incidents of forest fire.January recorded 116 forest fire incidents, February recorded 366, March-6832, April-3877 and May reported 149.
The year 2003 recorded 3143 forest fire incidents; 2004 recorded 4083; 2005 recorded 2872; 2006 recorded 4106; 2007 recorded 3342; 2008 recorded 2755; 2009 recorded 4305; 2010 recorded 4144; 2011 recorded 2734; 2012 recorded 3878; 2013 recorded 3128; 2014 recorded 3922; 2015 recorded 2863; 2016 recorded 2088; 2017 recorded the least forest fires-1641; 2018 recorded 2259 and 2019 recorded 7932 incidents of forest fire.