KP in flames: 1,000+ forest fires ravage 10,200ha in four years

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one of Pakistan’s most verdant regions, has witnessed more than 1,000 forest fire incidents between 2022 and 2025, reducing 10,200 hectares of woodland to ashes. The increasing frequency of these fires has raised concerns about a potential environmental crisis in the province.

According to official documents obtained by Hum News English from KP’s Climate Change, Forest, and Environment Department, forest fires have plagued the Hazara, Malakand, and southern regions over the past four years. The data reveals the extent of damage caused by these fires, with 2022 being the most devastating year.

2022: the most destructive year

A report from the KP Forest Department highlighted 2022 as a catastrophic year, with over 200 forest fire incidents affecting 5,400 hectares of land and claiming four lives. Key affected areas included Abbottabad (129 incidents), Mansehra (55), Lakki Marwat (29), Dera Ismail Khan (39), and Swat (24).

2023: continued damage

From March to July 2023, 34 forest fires were reported, destroying 1,076.51 hectares of forest. The central-southern region alone recorded 14 incidents, impacting 1,020 hectares.

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2024: fewer fires, lesser Damage

Official records show that 287 forest fire incidents occurred in 2024, affecting 2,169.2 hectares. These included three crown fires, 155 ground fires, and 129 surface fires.

2025: the worst year as yet

As of May 26, 2025, KP has already reported 107 forest fire incidents, burning 2,448.06 hectares—the highest ecological damage in recent years. Malakand’s Buner Forest Division was the worst-hit, with 700 hectares destroyed in just eight incidents. This year saw 96 ground fires and 11 surface fires, but no crown fires.

Human negligence a major cause

KP Forest Department officials stated that most fires result from human carelessness rather than natural causes. To mitigate future risks, the department plans to install watchtowers in vulnerable forest areas.

The escalating fires pose a severe threat to KP’s ecosystem, demanding urgent preventive measures to avert long-term environmental damage.