Forest fires in Turkey have been burning for the past three days. Higher temperatures and winds have spread the fire to more than 70 locations. Besides Turkey, forest fires have been burning in Greece as well.
Turkey has requested help from all countries to stop the forest fires that have killed thousands of animals, destroyed pine forests and destroyed hundreds of homes. To control forest fire there is a need for planes, helicopters and drones dropping water from the top. Besides offering Pakistan’s help to Turkey, we should also think about planning for forest fires in Pakistan as well. Although our country has a small forest cover now, over the years the Billion tree project will help increase forest cover in Pakistan. 
And with climate change making weather hotter and dryer, Pakistan should prepare in advance for fighting forest fires. One good way would be to construct multiple artificial canals from the highest point to the lowest points of the jungle. Connect the highest point of the canal with a water supply pipeline that would bring pumped water from a reservoir. If there is a fire, water can be pumped into this canal, to help reduce its intensity and create barriers between regions. Even when weather conditions are hot and dry then water can be pumped into this canal to increase humidity and reduce chances of forest fires starting. The canals will also act as a rainwater collector and the rainwater will also drag loose leaves and wood from the forest, which can be collected at the canal ends, helping keep the forest clear of kindle for forest fire while conserving rainwater. Besides this, the government should enhance the forest department scope to include managing the artificial canal system, clear the kindling material, watch for forest fires, watch for dry weather and be able to fight forest fires.
SHAHRYAR KHAN BASEER P.ENGR.,
Peshawar.