Recurrent wildfires: Are the risks rising?

Just a month ago, we were walking along the Rangamati-Kaptai road through Kaptai National Park when something unusual caught our eye near a large culvert. As we glanced down, two stunning jungle fowls suddenly took flight, disappearing into the treeline—startled by our presence.

But this time, it wasn't the birds that held our attention. Thick smoke was rising from a pile of dry leaves and plastic waste, and it was clear that someone had deliberately set it on fire. Burning dry leaves in winter is a common practice across the country, adding to the already poor air quality.

However, this small fire in Kaptai National Park felt more alarming. The forest floor was thickly carpeted with dry leaves, creating the perfect conditions for a wildfire.

Although the semi-evergreen forest didn't catch fire that day, the warning signs were there. Since then, at least five major forest fires have been reported—in the Sundarbans, Satchhari and Lawachara National Parks, and in Bhaluka, Mymensingh.

Forest fires seem to be happening more frequently in Bangladesh, and officials point to both accidental and deliberate causes. The question is: how much longer before these fires become an even bigger threat?

Recurrent fires

A part of East Sundarbans has been burning since 22 March. A fire was detected at the Tepar Beel area near the Kolmatji Camp of the Dhansagar Station in the Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans East Division. 

Foresters cut fire lines around the affected area to contain the fire but firefighters struggled to get water as the spot was about three kilometres away from the nearest source of water.

As a team of firefighters, foresters, and Tiger Team members attempted to tame the fire, a new fire surfaced in another part of the forest, showing the dangerous nature of the fire. Before the fire could be brought under control on 25 March, at least 10 acres of forest was gutted.

Over the past 19 years, the Sundarbans witnessed 30 fires, leading to the destruction of around 90 acres of forest land, a TBS report said quoting the Forest Department.

Most of these fires broke out near populated areas where people graze their cattle. In some cases, wildfires were likely sparked by torches used by honey collectors or fires set by fishers.

Late last month, a section of Lawachara National Park in Kamalganj went up in flames. It wasn't the first time—this very spot had been scorched before, in 2021 and again in 2023. Locals believe this isn't just a coincidence; they suspect land grabbers might be behind these recurring fires.

In Habiganj's Chunarughat, one acre of forest land was burnt in Satchari National Park earlier this month. While the reason could not be determined, forest officials assumed that the fire might have been lit from cigarette buds. 

On 25 March, at least three acres of forest land in Bhaluka, Mymensingh was damaged in a fire. The cane cover all over the spot got burnt down to ashes as a result. 

Reports quoted locals as saying that criminals involved in illegal logging set fire to the cane bushes to facilitate logging. This is also a recurrent event. The cane bushes were planted to prevent thieves from logging. 

Increasing risks

Forest officials say wildfires in Bangladesh happen due to both natural and human causes. Thankfully, they don't reach the massive scale of those in Australia, Europe, or North America, thanks to our forest types and rainfall patterns.

To put things into perspective, between January 7 and 31, 2025, wildfires in California burned through more than 57,000 acres (230 sq km) of land. At least 29 people lost their lives, over 18,000 homes and structures were destroyed, and more than 200,000 people had to evacuate. The fires were fueled by severe drought and strong winds. Disasters like this are common in the Western world, with massive wildfires breaking out almost every year.

"In contrast, what we see in Bangladesh are mostly ground fires," explained a Conservator of Forests (CF) from the Bangladesh Forest Department, speaking anonymously. "Dry leaves on the forest floor and methane gas trapped underneath easily catch fire, but large trees usually don't burn entirely."

However, with Bangladesh's dense population, forests are crisscrossed by roads, highways, and power lines—creating plenty of fire hazards. "Even in the Sundarbans, fires break out near populated areas, strongly suggesting human involvement, whether intentional or accidental," the CF added.

Human activity is increasing everywhere, even inside the forests. This raises the risks associated.

The official said we have enough rain throughout the year, which is a saviour. 

"We get rain six to seven months of the year. The fires occur during the dry season, and then rainfall returns, preventing such occurrences," he added.

However, the official warned that climate change might deteriorate the wildfire scene in Bangladesh.

"Temperatures are rising, the timing of rainfall is changing. We now have extended dry seasons. All these will increase the risks of forest fires in the future," the CF said.

The scarcity of water in the hardly accessible forests makes it difficult for the foresters and firefighters to douse wildfires. Forest officials have been making ponds in some areas which increase water availability both for wildlife and firefighting.

Sketch: TBS