A devastating wildfire has broken out in Iran’s Mazandaran province, engulfing parts of the Hyrcanian Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and surrounding areas. The blaze has been burning for more than seven days, fueled by ongoing drought conditions that have dried surface water sources and lowered groundwater levels.
Local fire services and residents reported that after a week of effort, about 80 percent of the fire has been brought under control. Officials believe the wildfire was human-caused, not a natural disaster.
Stretching along Iran’s Caspian Sea coastline and into the mountainous regions, the Hyrcanian Forest is one of the world’s oldest and richest ecosystems. It is home to rare species such as the Asiatic cheetah and the Persian leopard, along with numerous mammals and birds.
Authorities confirmed that the fire has not yet spread to populated areas and no casualties have been reported. However, the extent of damage will only be known once the blaze is fully contained, according to the Mazandaran provincial government.
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