Shimla, Jan 30,
The recent wave of fire incidents across Himachal Pradesh has once again highlighted the state’s alarming lack of preparedness for fire emergencies. Fires in villages like Kinnaur, Pangi, Holi, and Samot have caused massive destruction, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and exposing the systemic neglect of fire safety measures.
Even the Nogvalley area of ​​Rampur Bushahr is continuously burning due to forest fire. The fire started two days ago along Dansa Road behind Racholi and now it has engulfed the entire Dhar. Reportedly, smoke has engulfed the entire Rampur area.
The absence of firefighting infrastructure in remote villages leaves residents dependent on community efforts rather than institutionalized response mechanisms. With no proper fire lines in forests and no village-level firefighting equipment, the risk of such disasters continues to grow.
Adding to the crisis is the disparity in compensation for fire victims. Dr. Janak Raj, MLA from Pangi-Bharmour, recently raised concerns over unequal relief distribution in fire-affected regions. He urged authorities to ensure uniform financial assistance for all victims, as families in different districts receive varying amounts despite suffering similar losses. For example, families in Tandi received ₹7 lakh in compensation, whereas victims in other regions are yet to receive comparable support. Such inconsistencies create further distress for those already struggling to rebuild their lives.
The root of the issue lies in the failure of preventive measures and enforcement of fire safety regulations. Dry conditions, worsened by climate change, have made both forests and settlements more vulnerable to fires.
This lack of preparedness was earlier flagged in a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which identified major shortcomings in Himachal’s Fire Services. The audit, which assessed disaster preparedness from 2011-2016, found that the state lacked a database of high-rise buildings, had not conducted vulnerability assessments, and had failed to compile a list of hazardous industries.
Also read:Â https://himachalscape.com/cag-himachal-pradesh-fire-audit-uncovers-widespread-safety-issues/
As per report between 2018 and 2021, Himachal Pradesh recorded 5,301 fire incidents in just 23 test-checked fire control centers, resulting in 117 human and 43 cattle deaths and an estimated property loss of ₹479.28 crore. Despite such staggering figures, the state’s firefighting resources remain inadequate. Against an approved fleet of 115 fire-fighting vehicles, only 85 were available, and ₹6.22 crore meant for new vehicles was left unutilized. Out of 938 sanctioned posts for operational fire staff, 257 remained vacant, weakening response capacity. Moreover, 64% of operational firefighters were over 45 years old, yet no physical fitness tests were conducted, despite national guidelines requiring assessments every six months.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/forest-fires-due-to-systemic-shortcomings-or-warm-climate/
Not just rural level preparations even urbans and educated class is ignoring the fire risk. As per the CAG report Schools and hospitals, despite Supreme Court directives, had largely failed to obtain fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), with only 55 out of 2,806 government schools receiving NOCs between 2018 and 2021. Shockingly, none of the state’s 996 major government hospitals had fire clearance, putting thousands at risk.
Also read:Â https://himachalscape.com/shimlas-fire-safety-infrastructure-faces-critical-lapses/
The repeated fire tragedies in Himachal Pradesh are not just accidents—they are a direct result of feign oblivion. The government’s inaction in enforcing safety regulations, coupled with the absence of deterrent penalties for non-compliance, has turned fire safety into a neglected issue. Moreover, substandard electrical equipment and poor wiring in rural homes further escalate the fire risk.
With dry spells becoming more frequent, recognizing them as a natural disaster and taking preventive action is crucial. The state must prioritize forest fire management, enforce fire safety compliance, and ensure adequate firefighting resources in villages. Without immediate intervention, Himachal will continue to witness preventable tragedies that cost lives, property, and livelihoods.
