The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services has informed that during the current dry and windy season, incidents of indiscriminate forest burning by hunters, campers, miscreants and others continue to occur despite sustained efforts by personnel of the Fire and Emergency Services, Nagaland, village volunteers, and support from the district administration and police to prevent forest fires from spreading to residential areas.
The department reiterated that it is not possible to respond to all forest fire incidents unless they pose an immediate threat to human settlements. It noted that the State Government, district administrations, and the Forest Department have issued repeated notifications banning forest fires and warning of their adverse impact on ecological balance.
The public and village councils have been urged to take proactive measures to prevent such practices and to initiate action against those involved in indiscriminate burning in order to deter future incidents.
According to the department, the state recorded 188 cases of forest fires in 2025, with Kohima district alone accounting for 91 cases, which it described as a serious cause for concern.
