Fire Dept flags human negligence; blames stubble burning, arson for fire outbreaks
PANAJI
Goa has recorded a decline in grass and wildland fires in 2025, according to the latest data released by the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). However, officials have raised concerns that fire activity rebounded in recent years with a significant number of incidents attributed to human negligence or deliberate acts such as illegal stubble burning.
At least four field fire incidents at Taleigao were reported within just five days, wherein the first incident on Monday turned into a massive blaze destroying large portions of open fields and killing reptiles. The situation also forced nearby residents to evacuate their homes till the situation was back to normal. While preliminary reports attribute the first two fires to human activity, the third blaze, which erupted on Thursday, was reportedly caused by dry grass combustion.
After a disturbing spike in 2023, when grass and field fires reached a record 2,408 cases, the numbers more than halved to 1,231 in 2024 and further dropped to 631 so far in 2025. Wildland fires followed a similar trend, falling from 599 in 2023 to 190 in 2024 and just 86 this year.
The figures further suggest a cautious return to control after a dramatic post-pandemic surge in fire incidents.
The DFES noted that the 2023 spike – nearly nine times the number of grass and field fires recorded in 2020 – was likely the result of accumulated dry vegetation during the COVID-19 lockdowns, along with the resumption of agricultural activity and a lapse in field maintenance.
Wildland fire incidents also surged after a pandemic-era low of just 58 cases in 2020, indicating the strong influence of human activity on fire patterns.
“The COVID-19 period (2020) served as a natural experiment showing how reduced human interference significantly decreases fire incidents. Post-pandemic years saw a rebound in fire activity, underscoring the importance of proactive policies and community-level interventions. The recent decline (2024–2025) may reflect positive outcomes of targeted awareness campaigns, enforcement of preventive orders (eg, stubble burning bans), and inter-departmental coordination,” the spokesperson said.
Despite the recent drop, DFES officials warned the fire risk remains high due to natural and human factors. They conceded that while some are triggered naturally due to high temperatures and low humidity, a large number are caused by human negligence or intentional acts such as arson, careless cigarette disposal, harvesting machinery sparks and illegal stubble burning.
“Wind flow and the presence of dead grass further aggravate the spread of these fires. The presence of dead grass and continuous airflow further intensifies the fire by supplying abundant oxygen... In Goa, grass, field, and wildland fires usually begin in November and peak through the dry months until June. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells make this period particularly hazardous. Beyond threatening lives and property, such fires also wreak havoc on biodiversity, endanger local flora and fauna, and emit smoke that contributes to respiratory ailments, especially among the elderly,” it said.
With regards to wildland fires, the cases dropped from 411 in 2017 to 248 in 2018 with an increase to 261 in 2019 and plummeted again to 58 in 2020. The cases climbed again post-COVID, touching 599 in 2023, but reduced significantly to 190 in 2024 and 86 in 2025. The cases in 2021 and 2022 were 127 and 151, respectively.
The DFES suggested that, as Goa continues to experience seasonal vulnerability to grass fires, communities, local authorities, and government departments must work together. “A combination of data-driven strategies, public education, and enforcement of fire safety regulations will help mitigate risks and protect Goa’s rich ecological landscape,” it stated.
Against the backdrop of recurring vulnerability to seasonal grass and wildland fires, the department has launched a proactive technological measure in the form of a mobile application ‘AGNI SANDES’ to boost community response and improve real-time reporting of fire incidents.
The department spokesperson explained that the app is designed to enable users to report fires instantly and receive alerts directly from the Fire Department. Termed as a simple and efficient tool, the app is expected to enhance public participation in fire safety measures.
