Iranian authorities have urgently requested international assistance to combat a massive wildfire that has been raging for days in the Hyrcanian forests of northern Iran. These ancient forests are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reports indicate the fire initially broke out on November 1st and was brought under control. However, it reignited on November 15th, quickly spreading through the dry vegetation.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, a high-ranking official stated that containing the blaze and preventing its further spread proved impossible without external help. Consequently, Iran has appealed to friendly nations for immediate assistance.
The Hyrcanian forests, stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers along the Caspian Sea in both Iran and Azerbaijan, are considered a unique and invaluable ecosystem. UNESCO recognizes them for their exceptional age, dating back 25 to 50 million years, and their rich biodiversity, boasting over 3,200 plant species.
The Iranian Environmental Protection Organization has announced that Turkey will dispatch specialized water-bombing aircraft, a helicopter, and an eight-person team to assist in firefighting efforts. Authorities are also considering requesting support from Russia if the situation worsens.
Some Iranian news outlets are reporting the fire may have been intentionally started, possibly by hunters in the Mazandaran province’s rocky Ilat region. Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately eight hectares of forest have already been destroyed.
The wildfire coincides with one of Iran’s worst droughts in sixty years, significantly complicating firefighting efforts. A local official described the operation as one of the most challenging in recent memory.
The Hyrcanian forests were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 and serve as a habitat for numerous rare and endangered plant species. The ongoing fire poses a significant threat to this invaluable natural treasure.
