Fire in the Wild: What Indian Trekkers Must Know About Forest Fires

Every trekker dreams of reaching Everest Base Camp or standing on a misty summit in Sikkim or Uttarakhand. But increasingly, those dreams come with an unexpected hazard: forest fires. In places like Garhwal, Bandipur, and even Sikkim, wildfires are no longer distant disasters seen on the news. They’re unfolding realities on many Indian trekking trails.

Last season, a group trekking through the lower Garhwal Himalayas experienced this firsthand. What began as a faint smell of smoke ended in ash falling gently from the sky by evening. Somewhere nearby, a wildfire was burning. Their guide, accustomed to minor village fires, recognised too late that this time it was serious. They were forced to halt, assess their route, and rethink their descent options as visibility dropped and the air thickened with smoke.

Forest fires in India are driven by long dry spells, rising temperatures, and human negligence. In Uttarakhand, locals refer to pine needles carpeting the forest floor as “Cheed ka sula” — nature’s perfect fuel waiting for a spark. Carelessly tossed cigarette butts, open campfires, or even discarded glass bottles, magnifying sunlight can trigger devastating fires.

For trekkers, the danger is twofold: they can unintentionally start fires, and when fires do break out, they’re often trapped on narrow, forested trails without easy escape routes. Here’s what every trekker needs to know before stepping into India’s forests during fire season.

1. Know When Fire Risk Is High

March to June is peak fire season in India’s forests. Dry pine zones in Garhwal, the scrub forests of Bandipur, and even the eastern slopes of Sikkim are particularly vulnerable. Before trekking, it’s important to check local forest department advisories. These are not routine warnings—they could be life-saving updates.

2. Campfires Are Not Romantic — They’re Risky

While the idea of a crackling bonfire under the stars is appealing, many forest zones now have strict bans on open fires, and for good reason. Even where rules are relaxed, trekkers are advised to avoid lighting fires. One stray spark can ignite dry forest floors within minutes.

3. Smoke Is a Warning, Not a Background Detail

Trekkers should be alert to the smell of smoke or reduced visibility. If ash particles are in the air, it’s not a minor issue. The immediate response should be to move to higher ground to assess the situation and retreat towards open spaces or lower altitudes if fire is suspected.

4. Inform Officials and Stay Connected

Trekkers should inform local forest authorities about their routes and carry emergency contact numbers. Forest departments in high-risk zones often use satellite data to monitor fires, but timely reports from people on the ground remain critical. In most states, before the trek, getting Forest Permission is mandatory. 

5. Avoid Careless Mistakes

Simple acts like tossing cigarette butts, leaving behind glass bottles, or lighting fires for warmth can trigger large-scale fires. Trekkers must understand that many wildfires in India are human-caused and every careless action matters.

6. Know When to Turn Back

Many trekkers have a “push through” attitude. But when it comes to fires, knowing when to turn back is essential. Fires can block trails, reduce oxygen, and spread faster uphill than a person can run. Choosing to abandon a route isn’t giving up; it’s surviving.

A village elder in Garhwal once said, “Aag aur paani ka rasta nahi roka ja sakta.” The path of fire and water cannot be stopped. Trekkers would do well to remember that.

Forest fires in India’s trekking zones are no longer rare. They’re increasing in frequency and severity each year. It’s no longer enough for trekkers to carry ropes and rain gear. Today, understanding fire risk is as essential as carrying a first aid kit. Trekkers must see themselves not just as adventurers, but as responsible visitors in fragile ecosystems.

In dry forest zones, the greatest adventure might simply be returning safely, having left no trace behind.