Shimla, April 21 -- The recent spell of rain has brought temporary respite for the Himachal Pradesh forest department helping to keep the number of forest fires relatively low at the onset of the fire season. However, officials warn that the risk remains high as the state moves into its peak fire months.

"The fire season in Himachal Pradesh has officially begun," said K. Thirumal, chief conservator of forests, Shimla circle, while addressing a press conference on Monday. "Thanks to recent rainfall, fire incidents are currently fewer. So far, only 90 forest fire cases have been reported statewide."

Himachal typically records between 1,500 to 2,000 forest fire incidents annually during the fire season, which runs from April 15 to July 15 ...