Central Azad Kashmir features dense, highly valued mountain forests that play a crucial role in regional watershed protection and ecological stability. Massive forest fire event is observed from medium resolution satellite data of 29 May 2026 as compared to pre fire satellite imagery acquired on 09 May 2026. An estimated 3176.7 ha (7849.6 acres) natural forest trees, shrubs and grass land cover has been affected across 38 different locations mostly in Sudhnoti, Kotli and Poonch districts. Burn scars are visible on satellite imagery acquired on 29 May 2026. These forest fire events generally affect the breeding season of the birds, animal, regeneration loss of seedlings and saplings and colonization of invasive fire tolerant grasses and shrubs.
