An uncontrolled fire occurring in the forest is called a forest fire. Forest fire occurs in forests and creates devastation.

It spreads due to :

1. Except a forest fire caused due to lightening all other reasons for this event are man-induced.
2. Throwing of burnt butts of cigarettes and bidis, or match sticks, leaving burning things like campfire, aggarbattis, dhoop, etc, by tourists, pilgrims or shepherds, etc. are major man-induced reasons for forest fire.
3. Since dry leaves fallen from trees and twigs catches fire faster there are more chances of a forest fire during a dry season after autumn.
4. After autumn the dry leaves fall and catch fire instantly even with a tiny spark. The spark then may bum the forest.
5. Moreover, the winds are also dry and contain very less humidity. Dry winds and dry leaves together work as a fuel which spreads forest fire to a very large area.
6. Besides some trees ooze out oily and inflammable substances naturally. When the comes in contact with such substances it spreads even faster.
7. Once the forest fire starts, it spreads in the direction of wind at a velocity of about 15 km per hour.
8. Once a forest fire starts and quick and efficient attempts are not made to extinguish it, then it can stop only under two cases. They are:
   • The forest fire is extinguished completely by itself and
   • Heavy rain may pour and extinguish it.
9. Along with forest fire, smoke and sparks also rise with the air currents. These carry a great risk of sparking fire in nearby settlements.