Pune records 323 forest fires in 2025

Pune’s fire department has reported 323 forest fires since January 2025. In February alone, there were 141 fires, with 128 occurring in March and 54 in January. The department attributes the increase to high temperatures and neglected private lands. On March 20, a fire at Susgaon Hill required three fire vehicles to assist in putting it out. The fire lasted over three hours before control was achieved. This year has seen above-normal temperatures, which has dried out vegetation earlier than usual. Limited water supply has made it harder to fight these fires. Neglected private land is another problem. Many property owners do not remove dry bushes and grass, which can fuel larger fires. This neglect poses a threat to both the environment and wildlife. Nilesh Mahajan, a public relations officer for the fire department, explained the challenges faced in reaching these fires due to difficult terrain and poor road access. Sagar Hole, a forest guard, noted that the fire spread rapidly from the foothills up the hill. Luckily, no wildlife casualties have been reported so far. An anonymous official pointed out that land ownership plays a role in the problem. While grass in forested areas is cleared, private land often remains untouched. This often leads to fires, as some people mistakenly think it’s easier to burn the grass than to cut it down. Investigations into the causes of these fires are ongoing.