Dikhyaa Mohanty 
99.5% of wildfires in the state have been effectively contained by the Odisha Forest Department. This accomplishment demonstrates the department’s proactive efforts and successful reaction tactics to protect the state’s priceless forest resources.
“A total of 15,723 kilometers of new firelines have been created across the state to effectively prevent the spread of wildfires, while an additional 16,623 kilometers of existing firelines have been maintained. To ensure robust fire protection, 334 fire protection squads have been deployed across all divisions of the state,” stated Suresh Pant, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of the Forest Force (HoFF) during a press meet on Monday.
Pant said that every squad has been outfitted with a car, personnel, and the tools they need to combat fires. The department has taken a creative approach by installing cutting-edge AI technology to help identify fires.
“For the first time in Odisha, five AI cameras were installed in Similipal, capable of detecting fires in real time. Additionally, four AI cameras were installed in Rourkela. These cameras not only detect forest fires but also monitor wildlife movements in real time,” Pant explained.
Additionally, according to PCCF Pant, the forest service reacted to 14,922 of the 14,924 forest fire notifications that they received by March 16, 2025.
