The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have once again highlighted the devastating consequences of climate change and environmental mismanagement. These fires have wreaked havoc, causing significant loss of life and property. At least 10 fatalities have been reported, while over 10,000 structures have been reduced to ashes, displacing around 180,000 residents.

These catastrophic events were the result of a perfect storm of environmental and human factors, including severe drought conditions, unusually strong Santa Ana winds with gusts nearing 100 miles per hour, and an abundance of dry vegetation.

Such conditions are no longer anomalies but becoming increasingly common due to the warming climate. As these fires rage thousands of miles away, their lessons resonate globally, particularly for cities like Islamabad, which face similar environmental vulnerabilities.

The Margalla Hills, an iconic feature of Islamabad’s landscape, are not unfamiliar with the threat of wildfires. Over the years, fires have become a recurring phenomenon, particularly during the dry months from April to June. These fires are often caused by human negligence, intentional acts, or the environmental factors of prolonged dry spells and rising temperatures.

Islamabad, nestled under the shadow of the Margalla Hills, finds its neighbourhoods increasingly vulnerable to the risk of fires spreading from the hills. Prolonged heat waves, paired with dry vegetation and urban expansion, amplify the threat. Given the growing frequency of such incidents, understanding the reasons behind wildfires and their potential impact on urban areas........

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