Iran's Ilam warns of wildfire risk in Zagros forests as drought persists

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Summer heat and drought in the western Iranian province of Ilam have raised the risk of wildfires in the Zagros mountain forests, the Iranian State Meteorological Organization said, forecasting high temperatures and low humidity through the end of summer. A limited number of fires broke out across the province in recent days and were brought under control by fire and civil defense teams, though local officials said the rugged mountain terrain has complicated response efforts and exposed gaps in logistical support. Yasem Hanmohammadian, director general of Ilam's Natural Resources and Water Basins Management Office, said the Zagros forests are critical to regional water security, with each hectare capable of storing roughly 1,000 cubic meters of water annually. Iranian state news agency Mehr reported that the forests directly supply drinking water and irrigation for western cities. Ali Mohammad Pakdel Nejad, director general of Ilam's Provincial Disaster Management Office, said firefighting in mountainous areas requires rapid response and coordination across agencies. Authorities have called on local communities to report potential fires through early-warning channels and urged farmers, herders and tourists near the forests to remain alert for signs of blaze.