Kathmandu, Nepal - As the dry season intensifies across the country, fire incidents have surged sharply, posing significant risks to life and property. According to data released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), a total of 2,140 fire incidents were recorded from Baisakh to the end of Mangsir this year.
Among all seven provinces, Madhesh Province reported the highest number of fires with 524 incidents, while Karnali Province recorded the lowest at 118 incidents. The increasing number of fire outbreaks has raised concerns among disaster management experts and local communities alike.
Fatalities and Vulnerable Groups
Statistics show that 17 people lost their lives due to fire incidents in the months of Kartik and Mangsir alone. Although comprehensive data on injuries is still being compiled, authorities have noted a concerning trend: women account for a disproportionate number of those affected.
Experts attribute this to traditional household roles and close interactions with fire sources such as gas stoves, heaters, and indoor cooking equipment, placing women at particularly high risk during fire outbreaks.
Underlying Causes and Seasonal Trends
Fire risk generally escalates during Nepal’s dry season - spanning roughly from late spring through early winter - when low humidity, dry vegetation, and increased use of heating devices create hazardous conditions. The NDRRMA has emphasized that most of these fire incidents are preventable with stronger community awareness, improved safety practices, and enhanced local disaster preparedness.
Government and Community Response
In response to the rising trend, government agencies and local disaster management committees are urging citizens to adopt fire-safe behaviors. They recommend:
Regular maintenance and inspection of electrical wiring and gas connections.
Safe use and monitoring of heaters and open flames.
Creation of community-level fire response plans.
Prompt reporting of incidents to local authorities to ensure quick action.
Call for Inclusive Preparedness and Safety Education
Civil society groups and disaster experts are calling for targeted awareness campaigns, especially in high-risk regions such as Madhesh Province. These campaigns, they say, should focus on household fire safety, emergency response training, and early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations - including women, children, and the elderly.
Conclusion
With fire incidents rising during the dry season, the authorities’ latest data underscores the urgent need for proactive measures at both the household and community levels. Strengthening fire safety practices, expanding public awareness, and ensuring rapid emergency response are crucial to reducing the human and economic toll of fire disasters in Nepal.
