Iran is racing against time as a massive wildfire tears through one of the world’s most unique ecosystems — the Hyrkanian forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site estimated to be up to 50 million years old. The blaze has grown so severe that authorities have taken the extraordinary step of banning public access to most forest areas nationwide, warning that the situation remains volatile and dangerous.
Local media reported Wednesday that the fire, fueled by extreme drought and strong winds, continues to spread despite days of firefighting efforts. The blaze first erupted in early November, was briefly contained, and then reignited on November 15, rapidly expanding across rugged terrain in northern Iran.
Foreign Assistance Requested
Iranian officials confirmed that firefighting operations are ongoing and far from complete. The government has requested international support as helicopters and ground crews struggle to reach remote mountainous zones in Mazandaran Province.
According to the Tasnim news agency, the fire may have been started by hunters in a rocky area near Elit, though authorities have not yet released details on the scale of the destruction or total burned area.
Ancient Forest Under Threat
The Hyrkanian forests stretch more than 1,000 kilometers along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, extending into Azerbaijan. Scientists describe the region as a living fossil, home to:
- the endangered Persian leopard
- brown bears
- rare birds of prey
- thousands of plant species
The forests contain over 3,200 plant species, including numerous endemic and endangered trees, making the region one of the most biologically rich temperate forests on Earth.
“These forests are millions of years old. Losing even a small portion would be an ecological tragedy,” one conservation official told AFP.
Government Crackdown and Safety Measures
In response, Iran has ordered provinces to enforce entry bans in forest areas outside protected parks until autumn rains arrive. Officials hope the restrictions will prevent additional fires and protect vulnerable habitats already under extreme stress.
The fire comes amid worsening drought conditions across Iran, raising fears that the country could face more frequent and destructive wildfires in the coming months.
Global Concern Growing
Environmental organizations warn that the loss of such a rare ecosystem would have global consequences. The Hyrkanian forests were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 due to their age and biodiversity — some sections dating back 25–50 million years.
As crews work to extinguish the remaining flames, questions mount over prevention, enforcement, and Iran’s capacity to protect one of the planet’s oldest surviving forests.