Punjab Announces Fire Season Rules to Protect Forest Areas
The Punjab Forest Department has officially declared the fire season from April 15 to July 15 across the Rawalpindi Division, introducing precautionary measures to reduce the risk of forest fires and protect natural resources.
The restrictions are being enforced in several sensitive forest regions, including Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, and the Margalla Hills, where rising temperatures during summer increase the chances of wildfires.
As part of the safety measures, authorities have prohibited carrying items such as matches, lighters, and cigarettes in dense forest areas. The use of tools like axes and knives, as well as lighting fires for picnics, barbecues, or cooking, has also been strictly banned.
Officials have warned that even a small spark can ignite dry leaves and quickly spread into large forest fires. Citizens have been urged to strictly follow the guidelines and avoid any activity that could lead to fire incidents, with legal action expected against violators.
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, temporary field offices for forest officers are being set up across key locations. In addition, surveillance cameras have been installed on important routes to ensure continuous monitoring.
Forest staff will also carry out regular patrols using bicycles, motorcycles, and animals to reach remote areas more effectively.
Authorities have further developed water ponds in dense forest regions to help respond quickly in case of emergencies. These water sources will also support local wildlife during the dry season.
Officials stated that these measures have been introduced under provincial directives to reduce fire hazards and safeguard forest ecosystems during the high-risk summer period.
