A forest fire has been raging for five days in the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uttarakhand. The blaze has spread through forest areas under the Nanda Devi National Park range in Chamoli district. Due to steep terrain and limited access, ground teams have struggled to reach the affected zone. The State has sought assistance from the Indian Air Force to help control the fire.
Fire in a UNESCO Site
The Valley of Flowers lies at an altitude of about 3,300 metres in the Chamoli district. It is known for nearly 600 species of exotic flowers and fragile alpine biodiversity. The fire broke out in the forests of Painkhanda within the Valley of Flowers range. The incident has raised concern because the area is ecologically sensitive and internationally recognised.
Response by Disaster Authorities
The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department has requested IAF support to douse the inferno. Officials have carried out a helicopter survey of the affected area. If needed, water drops from helicopters may be used to control the flames. Local administration and disaster response teams are continuing efforts to contain the spread of fire.
Why the Fire Is Unusual
Forest fires in Uttarakhand are usually reported between February and June, with peaks in May and June. An early-season fire in January is unusual. Officials have linked the risk to low or almost no snowfall in the hills, which reduces moisture in the forest floor. Dry conditions can make forests more vulnerable to ignition and rapid spread.
Forest Fire Pattern in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has recorded a high number of forest fire alerts in recent years. Recently, the State received 1,153 forest fire alerts, and hundreds of hectares of forest land were affected. Repeated fire incidents show the need for better monitoring, early warning systems, and rapid aerial response in difficult mountain terrain.
Last Modified: April 26, 2026