Importance of Forest Fire Awareness

Forests play a vital role in the lives of all living things. There is always a big discrepancy between perceptions and reality.

This is what students think they know about wildfires and what they actually know in very basic terms about wildfires. Knowledge of forest phenomena is critical for educators, policymakers, environmentalists, etc.

Recent years there has been an increase in research on wildfires and human-wildlife interactions, this helping us understand relevant human behaviors, including prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures. Campaigns aimed at educating adults about natural hazards, such as forest fires, mainly focus on raising their awareness, knowledge, and preparedness. A school can help other household members or members of a community transfer “actionable knowledge” outside of education for children and youth.Considering this context, educating children and youth on forests including fires would be an effective way to prevent and mitigate forest fires in general. However, specifically, to prevent them from occurring. A comprehensive understanding of children and youth awareness and knowledge about forest fires in Karnataka forests can facilitate the development of educational programs and teacher training.

For over two decades, Adavi Alert has been actively involved in understanding landscape and forest fire issues at Nagarahole Tiger Reserve plus mitigating measures taken by the forest department of Karnataka.

The range forest officers, watchers, and other forest frontline staff must always be understood as those responsible for protecting against wildfires at ground level. A number of factors are considered, such as who, where, and why an individual lit fire to the forest in a specific area, and sometimes appropriate legal actions have been taken against them.

As part of its awareness program on forest fires, Adavi Alert Foundation organized an event at Government School, Chenangi, Virajpet Taluk on February 8, 2023. In attendance at this program were DRFO Srinivas and the Head Principal of the school along with teachers and front line staff from the Forest Department. As part of the program, another government school and ashram were also visited (Basavana Halli, located on the edge of the forest), About 200 underprivileged kids were given daily stationaries like pencil sets colouring wax crayons along with colouring books. The intention and vision was to enable these kids to learn art and colours, apart from regular schooling and by this we stand by India’s colourful future.

We would like to give a big shoutout to all of the individuals and volunteers of the Adavi Alert Foundation including Sathvik Iyengar. These individuals and volunteers have made a difference and supported the cause.

Fires in forests can be caused by several factors

Forest officials and the study estimate that 99 percent of forest fires are caused by humans, and only one percent are caused by nature. Humans start forest fires for several reasons. In rural areas, there is a myth that grass grows faster and better after being burnt. Science has not proven this perception to be true. When people are warned for trespassing in the forest or leaving their cattle to graze for too long, they sometimes start fires as a form of revenge against officials. Farmers whose fields are adjacent to forests start fires to prevent their crops from being destroyed by animals. In the forest, trekkers have also been involved in incidents when they set up campfires during their trips.

In order to douse fires, the forest department should have the right equipment. Presently, they use branches and leaves of trees to extinguish the fire. If anyone inhales the carbon produced from these fires for even 10 minutes, then their lungs start choking. They need advanced equipment to douse the fire in a short period so that there is less damage.”

Causes of Forest Fires

1. Natural causes
2. Man-made causes
3. Unintentional or Accidental fire
4. Fires due to collection of minor forest produce
5. Fires due to logging operations
6. Fires due to management reasons

Damage from Forest Fires

1. Destruction of seeds
2. Destruction of young seedlings
3. Damage of young plants and trees
4. Deterioration of site
5. Injury to wildlife

Control of Forest Fires

1. Preventive measures
2. Combative measures
3. Remedial measures

Fire Prevention Methods

1. Relationships with public
2. Personal contact
3. Special campaigns
4. Religious sermons
5. Training
6. Public awareness