Dehradun | 14 January 2026:

A forest fire that broke out near the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has been linked to unusually dry winter conditions, according to forest and weather officials. An aerial survey conducted on Wednesday revealed that the fire, which started on January 9 at an altitude of around 11,500 feet, is currently confined to the forest surface and has not spread to the tree canopy.

Senior forest officials said the fire is burning in the Painkhanda forest area within the Valley of Flowers range of the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chief Conservator of Forests Sushant Patnaik stated that the affected area is extremely difficult to access due to steep terrain, dry grass, and slippery conditions caused by heavy frost. As a result, ground teams are unable to directly douse the fire. Authorities are assessing the situation to decide whether assistance from the Centre, including aerial water sprinkling, will be required.

Weather experts have attributed the rise in forest fire incidents to a lack of winter rain and snowfall. India Meteorological Department (IMD) Dehradun director C.S. Tomar explained that while western disturbances have occurred at near-normal frequency this winter, they have been weak and carried limited moisture. This has left Uttarakhand largely dry, with no rainfall recorded so far in January against a normal average of 1.3 mm, and high-altitude peaks remaining snowless. However, the IMD has indicated that weather conditions may improve later in the month.

District authorities have warned that dry weather, strong winds, and difficult terrain could allow the fire to spread further, posing a risk to forest resources and wildlife. The state disaster management department has sought support from the Indian Air Force for possible aerial monitoring and water sprinkling. Uttarakhand Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal has also directed officials to investigate the causes behind the early outbreak. Although forest fires in the state usually peak between February and June, data shows a sharp rise in incidents this winter, highlighting growing concerns over climate variability and forest vulnerability in the region.

Dry Winter Sparks Early Forest Fire Near Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers

An early forest fire near Uttarakhand’s iconic Valley of Flowers has raised concern among authorities, with officials pointing to an unusually dry winter as the main trigger. The fire, which broke out on January 9 in the Painkhanda forest area of Chamoli district, is located at an altitude of around 11,500 feet within the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After an aerial inspection, senior forest officials confirmed that the blaze is currently limited to the forest surface and has not reached the tree canopy. Chief Conservator of Forests Sushant Patnaik said the fire is not extensive at present but remains difficult to control due to the steep, rocky terrain and slippery conditions caused by frost. Ground teams are unable to reach the site easily, and authorities are assessing whether central assistance, including aerial support, may be required.

Meteorological experts have linked the spike in such incidents to poor winter rainfall and snowfall in the region. IMD Dehradun director C.S. Tomar said that western disturbances this season have been weak and low in moisture, leaving Uttarakhand dry while higher regions like Jammu and Kashmir received limited snowfall. The state has recorded no rainfall so far in January, increasing the risk of forest fires even before the usual peak season.

District officials have warned that dry weather and strong winds could cause the fire to spread, threatening forest wealth and wildlife. The disaster management department has sought support from the Indian Air Force for monitoring and possible water sprinkling if needed. While officials remain prepared, the incident has once again highlighted the growing impact of changing weather patterns on Uttarakhand’s fragile forest ecosystem.