In northern Iran, in the Hirkani forests, a large fire has been raging for several days, which has again intensified in the mountainous Elite region in Mazandaran province. The Iranian government has asked for international assistance amid the severe fires.
Firefighters, environmental officials, Besik volunteers and mountain climbers continue to battle the fire in difficult conditions due to rugged terrain, according to local media reports.
Strong winds and tall grass are accelerating the spread of the fire, and only a limited number of helicopters can be used in the region.
Iranian Vice President Muhammad Jafar Kaimpenah said that due to the impossibility of bringing the fire under control, they asked for urgent help from friendly countries.
Kaimpenah emphasized that due to the mountainous terrain of the Elit region, it is impossible to extinguish the fire on our own: “To extinguish forest fires, we need urgent help from other countries.”
He said that the request for help was sent “both in order to bring the fire under control and in order to prevent its spread to surrounding forest areas.”
The Hirkani Forests, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are known for rare plant species and vulnerable wildlife. Environmentalists warn the fire could cause long-term environmental damage.