Fakhar-e-Alam
Peshawar: As temperatures soar across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the province’s forests are once again facing one of their greatest seasonal threats—wildfires.
What often begins with a carelessly discarded cigarette butt or an unattended campfire can quickly escalate into a devastating blaze, destroying forests that have taken decades to mature.
For forest officials, every plume of smoke rising from the pine-covered hills triggers an urgent race against time. For communities living near these forests, however, every wildfire represents far more than burnt trees. It threatens livelihoods, wildlife, water resources and the ecological balance that sustains life in the mountainous region.
Stretching from the lush valleys of Swat and Chitral to the dense pine forests of Nathiagali and the rugged mountains of Kohistan, KP’s forests serve as a vital natural asset.
Besides producing timber, they regulate climate, protect watersheds, preserve biodiversity and support thousands of families who depend on forest resources for fuelwood, honey, medicinal plants and eco-tourism.
Yet these forests are becoming increasingly vulnerable as climate change combines with human negligence to create conditions ideal for fast-spreading fires.
Former Conservator of Forests Gulzar Rehman said that the overwhelming majority of forest fires could be prevented through responsible public behaviour and stronger preventive measures.
“Carelessly thrown cigarette butts by tourists are among the leading causes of forest fires in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he told APP.
He said unattended campfires and cooking fires in recreational areas also pose a serious threat during prolonged hot and dry weather.
“What was once considered a seasonal challenge has now evolved into a major environmental and social issue requiring sustained government attention,” he observed.
According to Rehman, the destruction caused by forest fires extends well beyond the loss of trees.
“Wildfires destroy wildlife habitats, damage biodiversity, affect water resources and directly impact communities that rely on forests for their livelihoods,” he added.
Environmental experts attribute the growing frequency and intensity of forest fires to the combined effects of climate change and human activity.
Former Director General of the Wildlife Department Dr Mumtaz Malik said that although natural factors such as lightning, prolonged drought and extreme heat can trigger wildfires, human actions remain responsible for a large proportion of incidents.
“Careless campfires, discarded cigarette butts, agricultural burning and deliberate acts of arson continue to be among the leading causes of forest fires,” he said.
Dr Mumtaz warned that every major wildfire disrupts the region’s fragile ecosystem.
“When forests burn, birds lose nesting grounds, wild animals are forced to abandon their habitats, and bee populations migrate to safer areas. This affects pollination, agriculture and the overall ecological balance,” he explained.
He added that Pakistan’s increasing exposure to climate change has made forests even more susceptible to fire.
“Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells have created conditions that allow fires to spread much faster across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s forests,” he said.
The environmental consequences persist long after the flames are extinguished. Smoke pollutes the atmosphere, carbon emissions contribute to global warming, mountain slopes become vulnerable to erosion, and damaged watersheds lose their ability to conserve water. Communities living near forests often suffer property damage, health complications caused by smoke and, in severe cases, displacement.
The economic impact is equally significant.
Every year, the provincial government spends millions of rupees on firefighting operations, rehabilitation efforts and disaster response. Tourism also suffers when scenic destinations lose their natural beauty, while forest-dependent communities face declining incomes due to the loss of fuelwood, honey, medicinal herbs and other non-timber forest products.
“In many developing regions, forest fires deepen poverty by depriving local communities of food, fuel and livelihood opportunities,” Dr. Mumtaz noted.
Recognising the growing threat, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department has strengthened surveillance and emergency preparedness across vulnerable forest ranges.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Haripur Aqeel Abbasi said forest protection teams, field staff and trained volunteers remain on high alert throughout the fire season.
“Immediate firefighting measures are undertaken to contain blazes and prevent them from spreading to adjoining forest compartments,” he said.
According to Abbasi, the department is working closely with district administrations, Rescue 1122 and local communities to ensure a swift response to emergencies.
“Forest fires pose a serious threat to biodiversity, wildlife habitats, natural regeneration and ecological stability. We urge tourists and local residents to avoid activities that could ignite fires, particularly the careless disposal of cigarette butts and leaving campfires unattended,” he said.
He warned that strict legal action would continue against individuals responsible for deliberately setting forest fires or causing environmental damage through negligence.
“Recent incidents in Haripur have already resulted in arrests and legal proceedings against suspected arsonists, reflecting the government’s determination to protect forest resources,” he added.
Experts believe that modern technology can significantly strengthen conventional firefighting efforts. Satellite monitoring, drone surveillance, early warning systems and community-based fire watch networks can improve early detection and enable authorities to respond before fires become uncontrollable.
However, they caution that technology alone cannot eliminate the threat.
Public awareness, responsible tourism, stricter enforcement of environmental laws and active community participation remain the most effective tools for preventing forest fires.
As another scorching summer unfolds, experts stress that every visitor, camper and traveller has a role to play in protecting the province’s forests. A single careless act can destroy ecosystems that have taken generations to develop.
Safeguarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s “green gold” is not merely about saving trees. It is about protecting biodiversity, securing livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that future generations inherit mountains clothed in green rather than scarred by fire.
The feature was released by APP on Sunday (June 28, 2026).
