Satellite Images Reveal Massive Forest Loss in Kotli Sattian Fire

The devastating forest fire fuelled by a recent intense heatwave has decimated an estimated 3,037 hectares (7,504.7 acres) of natural forest tree cover across 25 locations in the ecologically sensitive Kotli Sattian region of Punjab, according to satellite data released by the SUPARCO on Space4Climate.gov.pk.

Comparing satellite imagery from May 9 to May 29, 2026, the data highlights severe post-fire losses in the Chir pine forests, which critical sub-watersheds depend on for the Indus and Jhelum basins.

Experts warn that the ecological aftermath extends far beyond the immediate burn scars; the disaster has severely disrupted the peak breeding season for local birds and wildlife, destroyed vital young seedlings and saplings, and opened the door for invasive, fire-tolerant grasses and shrubs to colonize the damaged terrain.

While local communities and forest department personnel have successfully contained the blaze in several areas, active fires continue to spread across neighboring slopes, driven by strong, hot winds that threaten further environmental degradation.