Published by: The Watchers | 10 April 2025
Widespread forest fires burned across Mahottari District until April 9, 2025, putting approximately 16,000 hectares of forest at risk. The fires were active along the East-West Highway, the Chure Mountain Range, and the BP Highway.
Affected areas included Bardibas and Gaushala municipalities. Dry leaves on the forest floor fuelled the fires, which spread fast through the region on a daily basis. Residents in fire-prone areas such as Bardibas-5 reported living in fear as flames approached their homes.
A satellite-based monitoring system run by ICIMOD and Nepal’s Department of Forests tracked the fire activity. Containment efforts were limited during the peak of the outbreak, with no significant rainfall to help control the spread.
Significant rainfall on April 10 helped extinguish most of the fires, bringing relief to affected communities. However, concerns about air quality and long-term forest recovery remain, as mature trees were destroyed and new vegetation growth was disrupted.