Forest fires spread in Iran's Ilam province, challenge response teams

ILAM, Iran — Forest fires burning in the Zagros Mountains of Iran's western Ilam province have intensified, with rough terrain and seasonal winds complicating efforts by civil defense and forest protection teams to reach the flames. Ilam Provincial Director of Environment Mehdi Teymuri said most of the recent fires were caused by careless behavior from nature guides and local residents. He added that blazes in one nature reserve have damaged vegetation and destroyed the habitats of many animals. Ali Reza Mohammadi, Ilam's deputy director of nature, said emergency response plans have been activated at the district level since May and rapid-response commissions have been formed to coordinate firefighting operations. Environmental experts warned that the loss of vegetation will worsen soil erosion and reduce groundwater recharge, and that recovery of the affected ecosystems could take decades. They also cited a shortage of firefighting helicopters and other technical equipment, calling for stronger coordination and tougher penalties for environmental violations.