2. Forest Fire Disaster
The most common disaster in forests is forests fire. They
pose a threat not only to the forest wealth but also effect
the ecology and environment of a region.
During summer, when there is no rain for months, the forests
become littered with dry senescent leaves and twinges, which
could burst into flames ignited by the slightest spark.
Forest fire causes imbalances in nature and endangers
biodiversity by reducing faunal and floral wealth. Traditional
methods of fire prevention are not proving effective and it is
now essential to raise public awareness on the matter,
particularly among those people who live close to or in
forested areas.
7. FORE
ST
FIRE
EFFECTS
Others:
• Loss of wildlife habitat and depletion of wildlife
• Change in the microclimate of the area with unhealthy
living conditions
• Soil erosion affecting productivity of soils and
production
• Ozone layer depletion
• Health problems leading to diseases
•Air & water pollution
8. FORE
ST
FIRE
CONTROL & PREVENTION
1.Identification and mapping of all fire-prone area.
2.Compilation and analysis of data-base on the damage due to forest
fire.
3.Installation of Forest Danger Rating Systems and Fire-Forecasting
Systems.
4.Items of forest protection to be treated as a Plan Item in order to
raise their profile and thereby increase their Budget Allocation.
5.All preventive measures are to be taken before the beginning of
the fire season like summer season.
6.Recruitment of a Nodal Officer to coordinate with various agencies
including the Government of India on issues of forest-fire.
7.Communication network to be set up for quick flow of information
and movement of materials and man-power to the fire site.
8.Regular training of Government Staff and communities as Fire –
Fighters should be organized by the government.
9.Public awareness should be created against ill effects of forest fires-
a Fire -Week should be celebrated to create mass awareness.
9. FORE
ST
FIRE
PREcauTIONs
1. To keep the source of fire or source of ignition separated from
Combustible and inflammable material.
2. To keep the source of fire under watch and control.
3. Not allow combustible or inflammable material to pile up
unnecessarily and to stock the same as per procedure recommended
for safe storage of
4. Such combustible or inflammable material.
5. To adopt safe practices in areas near forests viz. factories,
coalmines, oil, stores, chemical plants and even in household kitchens.
6. To incorporate fire reducing and fire fighting techniques and
equipment while planning a building or coal mining operation.
7. In case of forest fires, the volunteer teams are essential not only for
fire fighting but also to keep watch on the start of forest and sound an
alert
8. To arrange frequent fire fighting drills.