On Friday, January 2, 2026, residents of Thimphu witnessed a hillside near Sangaygang go up in flames. Fortunately, the fire was contained; however, this is not the case for many forest fires that rage for days, despite the tireless efforts of brave Bhutanese firefighters, who risk their lives to put them out with limited resources. The incident was also a sobering reminder that the fire season has begun, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance and collective action to turn things around this season. 

Personally, the Sangaygang fire reminded me of what I witnessed on a beautiful March morning last year. I was travelling from Thimphu to Paro. Plumes of smoke were rising over the mountains as multiple forest fires raged in and around the capital Thimphu, as well as in the neighbouring districts of Paro and Haa.  

Three months later, I found myself in Haa, a serene and pristine district, on a field visit to see projects supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). There, I saw the scars of the March fires still raw: a ridge in the Katsho community, once green and vibrant, now charred black.  

The scenes were unsettling, but sadly not new.

Forest fires have long become an annual scourge with increasing intensity and frequency each passing year, raging uncontrollably during the dry winter and early spring months. 

The number says it all. Kuensel reported that in the first four months of 2025 alone, Bhutan recorded 25 forest fires - seven in Thimphu alone. Another Kuensel article reported that more than 70,000 acres of forest have been lost to flames from 2020 to 2024. This is 1 per cent of the total forest coverage of 2.67 million hectares. 

Bhutan’s fifth National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), supported by UNDP and the GEF, identifies forest fires as a major threat to biodiversity. While human activities in many cases may constitute the cause of forest fires, there is no doubt that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity, leading to more destructive fires. 

At present, the coniferous forests remain the most vulnerable to fires. But with climate change intensifying, the country’s biodiverse, broad-leaved forests in the sub-tropical region, which are a global ecological treasure, are also coming under threat. This is according to an in-depth assessment of climate risks on forests and biodiversity carried out in 2021 as part of Bhutan’s National Adaptation Plan, supported by UNDP and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). 

Through its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), supported by UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative in partnership with the Government of Germany and the GCF, Bhutan is undertaking a comprehensive national assessment to estimate actual emissions resulting from forest fires. The available data indicate that forest fires contribute approximately 5 per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. 

The growing challenge of forest fires is not just an environmental issue. It is a stark signal that Bhutan’s current forest fire management capabilities will need to be enhanced. The answer may well be embracing climate-smart, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. 

The stakes could not be higher

Forest fires do more than destroy trees. They hurt the economy in big ways. Between November 2024 and March 2025, timber losses alone were valued at Nu. 520 million (US$6.27 million), according to Kuensel. 

They also undermine Bhutan’s remarkable efforts and constitutional commitment to always maintain 60% forest cover. 

Bhutan’s lush green forests aren’t just national treasures; they are critical ecosystems that act as buffers against climate change. It is a vital global carbon sink, absorbing over 11 million tons of CO₂ annually, much more than what Bhutan emits. 

The damage extends further: disrupted watersheds, lost biodiversity, and endangered rural livelihoods. Non-wood forest products, critical sources of food and income, especially for rural communities, go up in smoke. Every hectare lost is a severe blow to rural livelihoods, climate resilience, food security and the economy.

The case for an AI-powered forest protection 

Notwithstanding the brave and tireless efforts of Bhutanese firefighters and local community volunteers, fighting forest fires in Bhutan is uniquely challenging. Rugged terrain and remote, inaccessible forest areas make firefighting an uphill battle. 

Fighting forest fires is also deeply resource-intensive. In just five months (from November 2024 to March 2025), over 4,500 firefighters spent 430,000 man-days battling blazes. In addition, firefighters lack specialised training and equipment, hampering both prevention and response efforts.

The reality is simple: Bhutan cannot keep fighting forest fires the old way. The cost, in increased emissions, and economic, livelihood and biodiversity loss among many others, is too high. The solution may rest in pairing the nation’s strong environmental leadership and commitment with smarter tools. 

An AI-powered forest fire management could offer a game-changing way forward that can revolutionise how Bhutan prevents, detects, responds to and recovers from forest fires. 

Here's how: 

Early detection and forecasting: AI can analyse satellite images, historical fire patterns, weather data, wind speed and human activity to identify high-risk zones, enabling early intervention before disaster strikes. 

Real-time monitoring: Drones and ground-based sensors, powered by AI, track smoke, heat and fire activities, sending instant alerts and reducing response time. 

Smarter resource allocation: AI-driven logistics can help deploy firefighting teams and equipment more efficiently by analysing terrain, road access, and real-time fire behaviour. Decision-makers receive clear, data-backed recommendations, replacing guesswork with precision. 

Post-fire assessment and recovery: Post-fire, AI tools can map burnt areas, estimate damage, and help design reforestation plans, selecting optimal locations and species for restoration. 

In essence, harnessing the power of AI for forest fire management can help Bhutan move from reactive firefighting to proactive fire prevention.

How countries are using AI to fight forest fires

As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of wildfires, countries around the world are turning to AI. 

Finland’s predictive modelling with FireCNN

Researchers at Aalto University have developed FireCNN, an AI model trained on satellite imagery and weather data to identify areas of high fire risk and predict the spread of wildfires. This model aims to enhance early detection and prevention strategies. 

Lebanon’s ultra-early detection with Silvanet

In December 2023, Lebanon utilised the Silvanet system, an AI-powered network of sensors, to detect a fire early, preventing a potential catastrophe. 

Türkiye’s FireAID initiative 

An interactive wildfire risk map developed through AI and machine learning algorithms, FireAID predicts wildfires with 80% accuracy 24 hours before they occur, allowing authorities to prepare and respond proactively. 

Canada’s strategic resource allocation with AltaML

Alberta Wildfire employs an AI-powered tool developed by AltaML to predict the likelihood of new fires, enabling more strategic resource deployment.  

These are a few examples demonstrating that AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a practical tool already transforming wildfire management. By leveraging technology for early detection, accurate prediction, and smarter response, countries are not only protecting their forests but also saving lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems. As the climate crisis deepens, scaling such innovations is not just wise, it’s essential.

Communities are key

AI can’t do it alone. Bhutan’s community-based forest fire management remains vital. Community forestry groups and rangers manage large forests under 10-year plans. With AI-powered early warning, equipment and training, these groups can be the strongest first line of defense. 

Along with community members, building the capacity of the armed forces and Dessups, who are the critical first responders, is vital.

Bhutan could also intensify its efforts to raise public awareness about fire prevention. This is particularly key as human activities remain the leading causes of forest blazes. 

A call for bold partnerships 

But Bhutan cannot do these alone. Partnerships and resources are key to building a model for climate-smart, AI-enabled forest governance. UNDP remains committed to supporting Bhutan in this critical endeavour. We invite partners to invest with us in Bhutan’s forests. 

Bhutan’s forests play a crucial role in stabilising the global climate; by protecting them, we are safeguarding our shared future.

This piece was originally published in Kuensel's 14 January 2026 issue: https://kuenselonline.com/news/bhutans-forests-are-burningcan-ai-turn-the-tide