Sickles, sarees and smoke: Women on the frontlines of Uttarakhand forest fires

In the villages of Uttarakhand, nestled within the Himalayan region of northern India, the aftermath of forest fires leaves a distinct mark on the trees. A charred base contrasts sharply with a lush, green canopy at the top, illustrating the exact height the flames reached. For the women who live off the forest, this has a direct impact on their daily lives.

The fires force them to venture further into the woods to collect the essential resources they need, doubling the time it takes to gather firewood and fodder. Uttarakhand tops the list as the most fire-prone state within the Indian Western Himalayas. The frequency of fires has been on the rise, closely tied to the region's high-altitude warming, which surpasses the global average.

The fire season has also expanded beyond the typical 12-week period, starting in mid-March. Now, Uttarakhand experiences fires even during the winter months, a worrying development that indicates a significant impact on the ecosystem. The situation is further compounded by the prolonged fire season, which has seen a surge in forest fire activity during the first four months of 2026.

The effects of these fires are felt on multiple levels - from the visual impact of smoke-filled skies to the immediate, physical discomfort experienced by the villagers. The grey smoke that engulfs the sky is a constant companion, carrying soot that sometimes blankets houses with a snow-like ash. This has led to a persistent coughing among the affected, their eyes bloodshot and irritated by the choking smoke.