India, April 2 -- Forest fires in India have risen by over 80% in early 2026 compared with the past decade

Fire activity is more than 50% higher than in 2024, the warmest year on record

Intensity of fires has also increased, with more severe and energy-intensive burns reported

North-east India remains the worst affected, but spikes are seen across Himalayan states, Odisha and southern regions

Fires are starting earlier in the season, raising concerns about climate-linked risks

When it comes to forest fires, 2026 is emerging as a concerning outlier. Early data suggests that both the number of fires and their intensity have risen sharply, pointing to a potentially severe fire season.

An analysis of fire activity by Down To Earth (DTE)...