Punjab Enforces Fire Season Rules to Protect Forests

The Punjab Forest Department has declared April 15 to July 15 as the “fire season” across the Rawalpindi Division to prevent forest fires and ensure conservation of natural resources.

The restrictions apply to key forest areas, including Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, and the Margalla Hills, where wildfire risk increases during the summer months.

Under the fire season regulations, carrying items such as matches, cigarettes, and lighters in dense forest areas has been banned.

The use of tools like axes and knives, as well as lighting fires for picnics, barbecues, or cooking, is also strictly prohibited.

Officials warned that even small embers can ignite dry leaves and cause large-scale forest fires. Citizens have been urged to avoid starting fires in forest areas or face legal action.

To strengthen monitoring, temporary offices for forest officers are being set up, while surveillance cameras have been installed on key routes for round-the-clock observation.

Field staff will also patrol forests using bicycles, motorcycles, and animals.

Authorities have additionally constructed water ponds in dense forest areas to ensure a quick response in case of fire emergencies, while also supporting wildlife needs.

Officials said these measures have been implemented under provincial directives to minimize fire risks and protect forest ecosystems during the high-risk season.