FOREST FIRE- DISASTER MANAGEMENT

SHAILI JAIN
ISHIKA MAHESHWARI
CONTENT

• FOREST FIRE
• TYPE OF FOREST FIRE
• REASON BEHIND FOREST FIRE
• FACTORS OF FOREST FIRE
• EFFECT OF FOREST FIRE
• FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT
• NEED OF FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT
• CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
 FOREST FIRE
Forest fire, also known as
bushfire or vegetation fire, is any
uncontrolled and unprescribed
combustion or burning of plants
in a natural context such as a
forest, grassland, brushland or
tundra that consumes natural
fuels and spreads due to
environmental conditions (e.g.
wind and topography).
FIRE LINE OF INDIA
 TYPE OF FOREST FIRE

• GROUND FIRE

A ground fire is a form of wildfire that starts beneath the ground,

when fuels like debris ignite and burn. Ground fires may eventually
burn through the ground surface and become surface flames,
depending on the conditions of the fire. These fires spread more
slowly than surface fires and can burn for months at a time.
 TYPE OF FOREST FIRE

• SURFACE FIRE

A surface fire is a fire that can range in intensity from low to high
depending on the conditions. Low-lying plants, such as twigs or
dried leaves, are the primary fuel sources. Ground fires that have
grown large enough to breach the surface are the source of these
flames. They may blister a tree canopy, but they will not cause it to
burn sufficiently to conduct a fire. Surface fires usually spread
slowly, but they can spread quickly if they start in a steeply sloped
landscape or are propelled by the wind.
 TYPE OF FOREST FIRE

• CROWN FIRE

Crown fires are a different sort of wildland fire. These fires burn
and spread from one treetop to the next, commonly known as the
tree crown or canopy. Crown fires can quickly spread. As a result,
crown fires usually advance far faster than lower level fires. Crown
fires burn quickly because of their height, which exposes them to
wind. Crown fires often evolve into particularly severe fires as a
result of their rapid spread.
 REASON BEHIND FOREST FIRE

• NATURAL
Lightning is one of the most common sources of natural forest
fires. Lightning strikes parched vegetation and ignites a fire. The
majority of these fires occur in isolated areas far from human
settlements. Volcanic eruptions can sometimes result in fires
caused by hot, burning lava. These types of fires may now be
forecast well in advance because of technological advancements,
and firefighters can build a buffer zone to contain them. Forest
fires can also develop as a result of dry vegetation spontaneously
combusting.
 REASON BEHIND FOREST FIRE

• MAN-MADE/ INTENTIONAL
The most prevalent cause of man-made forest fire is smoking near
plants and discarding the cigarette into dry vegetation without
extinguishing the flames. Arson or planned fires are another major
source of forest fires. Setting fire to property, automobiles or
anything else with the intent to inflict damage is known as arson.
Wooded fires can also be started by fireworks near forest areas.
Other prominent causes of man-made forest fires include mosquito
coils and candles, which catch fire over time but go undiscovered
until they become a large, uncontrollable fire.
 REASON BEHIND FOREST FIRE

• ACCIDENTAL/ UNINTENTIONAL
These fires are result of carelessness of human beings such as
throwing of burning match stick or cigarette. Other fires which
occur accidentally are the spread of fire from labour camps, from
picnic sites and other recreational areas due to human activities.
These types of fires are controlled by certain parameters like its
proximity to settlements and distances from roads. Although it is
not easy to account natural or deliberate fires but the areas prone
to fires can be detected and mapped.
 FACTORS OF FOREST FIRE
• Topography: Topography influence the wind of a particular region like fire
travels more rapidly in up slopes.
• Edaphic factors: Soil plays a vital role in the growth, development &
anchoring of the vegetation. And vegetation after decay adds to the
fertility of the soil.
• Distance to Roads: Any physical activity by man, animal or vehicle on the
road can cause an unwanted fire. Thus proximity to the road plays vital
role in chance of fire.
• Vicinity to Settlements: In settlement lots of human activities can cause
fire in the vicinity of settlement, which can spread a forest fire & cause a
lot of havoc.
 FACTORS OF FOREST FIRE
• Vegetation type / density: Dense and dry vegetation are more susceptible
to fire in comparison to moist and sparse one. Moisture content of
vegetation delays ignition
• Climatic factors: Climate plays the dominant role in ascertaining the fire
prone areas as they are the main determining factor of vegetation of a
given region. Thus drier the climate the more prone is the site for fire.
• Physiographic Factors: Physiographic factors include altitude, aspect and
topography of a region. These are the factors, which are mainly
responsible for variation in climatic conditions. Thus they indirectly affect
the vegetation. Aspect plays one of the major roles in the spread of fire
like southern slops which are more or less directly exposed to sun rays
are more vulnerable to fire.
FOREST FIRE PREVENTION FACTOR
 EFFECTS OF FOREST FIRE

• Loss of valuable timber resources

• Degradation of catchment areas
• Loss of biodiversity and extinction of plants and animals
• Loss of wildlife habitat and depletion of wildlife
• Loss of natural regeneration and reduction in forest cover
• Global warming
• Loss of carbon sink resource and increase in percentage of CO2
in atmosphere
 EFFECTS OF FOREST FIRE

• 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
• Loss of livelihood for tribal people and the rural poor, as
approximately 300 million people are directly dependent upon
collection of non-timber forest products from forest areas for
their livelihood.
 FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT
• Identification of fire-prone areas and its mapping.
• Forest fire forecasting technologies are being developed and deployed.
• Preventative measures must be put in place well ahead of the fire season
• Communication networks should be provided in place for ensuring the
timely flow of forest fire information, manpower and materials to fire sites.
• Regular training of forest staff and other fire protection committee
members should be organized in order to update the participants on new
information and tools to safeguard forests from fire.
• To safeguard woods from fires, more public awareness is needed.
• Forest fire protection will necessitate stringent legal actions
 NEED FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT

• Prevention of human-caused fires through education and

environmental modification. It will include silvicultural activities,
engineering works, people participation, and education and
enforcement. It is proposed that more emphasis be given to
people participation through Joint Forest Fire Management for
fire prevention.
• Introducing a forest fuel modification system at strategic points.
• Firefighting resources.
 NEED FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT

• Prompt detection of fires through a well coordinated network of

observation points, efficient ground patrolling, and
communication networks. Remote sensing technology is to be
given due importance in fire detection. For successful fire
management and administration, a National Fire Danger Rating
System (NFDRS) and Fire Forecasting System are to be
developed in the country.
• Fast initial attack measures.
• Vigorous follow up action.
 CASE STUDY
PAURI GARHWAL,
UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND

• Empirical Models: Totally based on

statistics. Also known as stochastic
models.
• Semi empirical Models: These models are
based on the conservation of energy i.e.
the energy transfer to the unburned fuel is
proportional to the energy released by the
combination of the fuel.
• Physical Models: These are the most
reliable models, but to develop such
models one requires a good knowledge
and understanding of the physical relations
sufficient to achieve the desired objectives
CASE STUDY- PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
 CASE STUDY
PAURI GARHWAL,
UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Garhwal Himalayan region has its own rich & diverse historical traditions & religious important
because of its geographical location, cultural heritage & social background. People of Garhwal
Himalayas are hard working and laborious
Location
The study area lies in the district Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand in India. It lies between 23o45’ to 3015’
latitude and 78o 24’ to 79o28’ longitude. Its area is about 5230 sq.km. The other districts
which surround Pauri Garhwal are Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal in North, Bijnor and
Udham Singh Nagar in South, Almora & Nainital in East, and Dehradun & Haridwar in West.
Pauri Garhwal’s headquarter is situated in Pauri which is located at the height of 1650m and has a
population of 24,743. It is situated among the deodar forests and on the northern slopes of the ridge
and provides one of the ice clad mountain chain.
The extensive
forests of Pauri Garhwal provides base for many industries, local fuel needs, fodder resources and
ecological balance. Due to variations in altitude, climate, rock & soil etc., different forest types occur
in this area. The statistics of year 1999-2000 shows that total forest area of district is 443977
hectares,which amount to 59% of total district land cover. The land which comes under forest dept. is
366212hectares
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND

Climate
Pauri Garhwal is known for its pleasant climate. It has a Sub-temperate to temperate climate. The
maximum temperature recorded at Kotdwar in the month of June which is 45oC and while in
Dudhatoli temperature rises only to 25oC. The maximum temperature recorded in the month of
January is about 1.3oC. The mean monthly temperature for the region ranges from 25oC to 30oC
Its hilly terrain and dense forest slopes receives adequate rainfall during mid June till mid September.
In winter occasional rain fall also takes place. 90 percent of rainfall occurs during monsoon
The average rainfall in the district is 218 cm. Relative humidity varies between 54 to 63 percent. In
winter temperature falls to freezing point and higher mountain regions receive some snow.
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Geomorphology
Geomorphology plays a very important role in deciding the composition of mineral constituents of a
area. Thus it plays important role in the vegetation composition of that area.
Soil
Soil effects the vegetation of the area which is the main parameter in the characterization of forest fire
and thus indirectly effects the whole environment of the particular area. There are mainly two main
types of soils:
Pedogenic soils: These are produced by the long exposure of rocks to air, water, wind and also by
chemical weathering and rock slides.
Transported soils: The soils which are brought by streams are termed transported soil i.e. the parent
bodies producing these soils are far away. Some of these soils have mixed origin of glacial & fluvioglacial
origin. These soils are silty to clayey loam and are very fertile. High amount of organic matter
is present in brown forest soils.
Minerals & rocks
Himalayas are always been considered as an unexplored rich of natural resource of rocks & minerals.
A number of metal ores (copper, lead, zinc, silver, gold, iron ore etc) are already known to local
people. The mineral industries in Garhwal Himalayas are underdeveloped because of unawareness &
un-exploitation of these natural resources.
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Forests
The different types of forest in my study area are:
Khair/sisso forests: These forests occur in lower area and are also termed as Riverie forests. Main
species of this forest are Acacia catechu (Khair), Shorea robusta (Sal), Dalbersia sisso (Shecham),
Bombex ceiba (Bamboo). There are different species of Bamboo.
1. Chir Pine Forests: These forests are extensively present in my study area. The important
species are Pinus roxburghii. These occur between altitudes of 900 meters to 1500 meters.
Other tree species are Cedrela tona (Toon), Anoegissous latifolia, and Ehertia leavis. The
density varies from 0.3 to 0.6, forests are more dense in areas which are away from human
settlements, intensive growing, on sandy soil etc.
2. Oak Forests: These are present at an altitude of 800 m & above. Important species of these
forests are – Quercus semicarpifolia (Banj) Q. incana (Banj), Rhododendron arboreum
(Burans), Rhus panjabencis, Cedrela Toona (Toon), Vitis Himalayansis. The density of these
forest ranges from 0.4 – 0.8 percent. Undecomposed humus is present in the form of thick
layer in soil. Moisture is also present in these forests.
3. Deodar Forests :These are present at higher elevation and its species are Cederus deodara. In cooler
aspect deodar is accompanied by blue pine (Pinus exelsa), silver fir & spruce.
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Forests
Utilization of forests
There are lots of timbers, paper; match industries are located in the Ganga plain adjoining Garhwal
hills which are dependent on chir pine and deodar forest for the supply of raw material. Kattha
industry is dependent on Khair forest. Pine forests are used for tapping resins which are utilized in
resin and turpentine factories. These forests produce pulp wood (for paper industry), wood for match
industry, Gums, tannins, paints, fibers, canes and other minor forests products. Local people depend
on these forests for fuel wood and fodder, thatching of roofs, agricultural implements, house building
purpose, furniture. 90% cattle graze in these forests.
Water Resources
Instead of plenty of water available, the drinking water problem is main among the locals. The water
resources available here are not fully exploited for drinking water, irrigation, hydel, fresh water
products etc. in full capacity due to shortcoming of non-economic planning and poor management,
shortage of capital resources, non cooperation from locals, hard geographical features etc. In spite of
various rivers and natural water resources this problem prevails to large extent.
The Alaknanda River flows along the western border of the district and separate Pauri Garhwal
district from border districts of Tehri Garhwal, Dehradun, and Haridwar. The river can be exploited
for drinking water needs at various places like Srinagar, Baisghat, and Swargashram etc.
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Topography
Topography of Pauri Garhwal is mainly mountainous except of Bhabar region. The highest point of
the area is 3116 meters at Dudatoli and the lowest point of the area is 295 meters near Chilla
(Haridwar). Dorbi village is located at highest level i.e. 2480 meters.
The cross profiles of the fluvial valleys show convex form with sleep valley sides, interlocking spurs
descending towards the main channel, hanging valleys, water falls & rapids and terraced agricultural
fields on the gentle slopes on the valley sides. The villages are confined mainly on gentle slopes of the
ridges on the fluvial terraces.
Flora and Fauna
Flora and fauna contributes to the biotic components of forest ecosystem.
Flora
Ferns: More than 120 species of ferns are identified in the region. They are abundant in the months
of June, July and September.
Trees: The important trees of hills of study area are wild cherry, wild apple, spindle wood, Oak,
popular, fig, holly, Rhododendron, Horse Chest nut, Masuri Berry, Dogwood & hill Tuna. At higher
region forests are accompanied with Himalayan Cypress Deodar, Blue Pine, Fir and long leafed Pine.
 CASE STUDY PAURI GARHWAL, UTTARAKHAND
Medicinal Plants: Medicinal plants are:-
Acacia arabica (Babul) – used to yield gum.
Egle marmelos (Bel) – its fruit used in diarrhea and dysentery.
Artemesia vulgris (Pati) – Used to stomach problem and in fever.
Boenning hausenia albiflora (Pisu-ghas) – used as medicine in poultry.
Cinnamomum tamala tej (Bark), Tejpat (leaves) bark and leaves are used as carminative, aromatic,
and stimulant in coughs and dyspepsia.
Fauna:The study area is highly rich in wildlife.
Animals – Some important animals are tiger, panther, civet cat, leopard cat and jungle cat (belongs to
cat family). Himalayan silver fox and jackal are common. Among deer species musk deer & Barking
deer are common. Sambhar & Gural, Bear, Porcupine are also seen. Among flying mammals bat is
common. Adorable animals of the region are chipmunk, the rhesus monkey & flying squirrel.
Birds: - As many as 400 varieties of birds are found in Himalayan region out of them species spotted
in my area are – the Jewel thrush, black headed oriole, black headed yellow bulbul, rosy minivet,
laughing thrush, golden beaked wood pecker, blue fly catcher, goosander, Brahminy duck & green
shank, grey headed fishing eagles. At an altitude of 5000 feet woodpecker, thrush & warbler could
also be seen. And at the height of 8000-11000 feet Grosbeak, Rock Thrush, Crested Black Tit & Red
headed Laughing Thrush are seen.