Wildfires have engulfed numerous regions in Iran, causing extensive damage to forests and natural resources. Local officials in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province reported a significant fire in the Kouh Siah forests in the Charusa district, which continued throughout Monday. Due to a lack of firefighting resources, local residents have been forced to use pack animals to reach the blaze and combat its spread.
The Zagros forests have suffered from repeated fires in recent days, with the Dezpart region in Khuzestan particularly affected. Reports indicate that 900 hectares of natural resources and 500 trees have been lost to the flames. Despite efforts by local communities with limited resources, many fires have not been swiftly contained, leading to widespread destruction of vegetation and wildlife.
In the protected Khayiz area, known for its valuable flora and fauna, recent fires have caused significant environmental damage. Although the state media claims that fires have been contained, there is still no precise data on the extent of the damage, and aerial images have raised concerns among environmental activists about the severity of the destruction.
#Iran News: #Wildfires Ravage Iran’s Forests Amidst Drought and Systemic Negligencehttps://t.co/oCvE8eMLxl
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 5, 2024
These fires are often caused by a combination of human negligence, intentional acts, and natural factors such as high temperatures and lightning. Recently, some officials have promised strict legal action against those responsible for starting the fires.
In an interview with the state-run Mehr News Agency, Ali Akbar Ghorbanlou, a local official, highlighted recent fires in the Abr Forest in Shahrud. He noted that thanks to the efforts of local people, environmental agencies, and natural resources staff, the fire was extinguished. However, another fire soon broke out in the Oleng forest in Khoshyeylaq Shahrud, which required significant efforts to control. The fire in Oleng forest destroyed five hectares of forest and rangeland, and the cause is under investigation.
The Iranian regime’s systemic negligence and disregard for its natural resources are starkly evident as rampant wildfires continue to devastate the country’s forests. Despite the pressing need for investment in environmental protection and disaster response, the regime remains hyperfocused on funding regional adventurism, ballistic missile programs, and nuclear weapons development. This misallocation of resources highlights the government’s prioritization of military ambitions over the well-being and preservation of its own environment, leaving local communities ill-equipped to combat natural disasters and safeguard Iran’s ecological heritage.
