Effective implementation of preventive measures coupled with favourable weather conditions have brought about a marked decline in forest fires in the state over the past three years. The summer is nearing its peak but so far not a single incident of forest fire has been reported from any part of the state (Himachal Pradesh). The incidence of forest fires has been increasing over the years mainly because of laxity on the part of the Forest Depratment in the implementation of preventive measures like creationof fire lines and controlled burning. The situation turned worst in 1995 when over 1,000 fire incidents involving about 57,000 hectares of forests area occurred.