Soaring mercury levels and the challenging terrain of southern Eastern Ghats pose potential forest fire risks across Chittoor and Annamayya districts, with several vulnerable pockets entering a critical phase during April and May.
The forested hills in the region are marked by steep slopes, rocky terrain, and a range of vegetation densities, including valuable timber species. Similar conditions prevail in other forested pockets such as Horsley Hills and the adjoining hill ranges along Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border, where accessibility remains limited, and fire response is often delayed.
Forest officials identify multiple zones vulnerable to forest fires during peak summer. They include the forests around Horsley Hills, the inter-State border stretch towards Karnataka, Mallappa Konda at tri-State Kuppam junction, Mallaiahkonda in Annamayya district, and Somala forest belt between Tirupati and Punganur. Dry vegetation in these forest beats becomes prone to fires as temperatures cross 45° C in the summer months.
The forest across these regions is currently layered with dry leaves, grass, and fallen twigs, creating ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. Even a minor ignition source can escalate quickly, particularly on uphill slopes where flames advance faster.
