Iran has launched an urgent appeal for international assistance as authorities struggle to contain a spreading wildfire in the ancient Hyrcanian forests. The Hyrcanian crisis now pushes officials to expand response efforts and secure outside help.
The blaze began last week in the Elit mountains near Chalus in northern Mazandaran province. Officials note that high temperatures, steep terrain, and heavy layers of dry forest debris complicate suppression efforts. Local teams continue to work across rugged slopes as the Hyrcanian crisis strains regional resources.
Deputy to President Masoud Pezeshkian, Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, reported the government’s escalating concerns. He said the fire continues to advance toward sensitive forest zones despite strong aerial and ground operations. He added that the government contacted several partner countries as part of an urgent request for assistance. This push underscores how the Hyrcanian crisis threatens an irreplaceable natural asset.
Turkey responded immediately and prepared to send two firefighting aircraft, a helicopter, and eight crew members. Iranian state media reported that the team will arrive on Saturday. Officials expect the additional aircraft to strengthen air drops over dense canopy areas where heat pockets persist.
The Hyrcanian forests extend across Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces along the Caspian Sea. UNESCO recognized the woodlands in 2019 due to their exceptional biodiversity and long ecological history. Scientists estimate the forests’ age at up to 50 million years. Environmental records identify more than 3,200 plant species and nearly 240 bird and mammal species. Many trees exceed 400 years in age, creating an ecosystem with rare biological depth.
Authorities estimate that the fire has damaged around eight hectares of vegetation so far. Less than one hectare remains active, yet changing winds continue to threaten nearby stands of old-growth trees. Volunteers, residents, and rescue forces deploy multiple helicopters each day to slow advancing flames.
Wildfires occur more frequently across Iran due to hotter summers and shifting climate patterns. In July, three environmental activists died while battling a blaze in Kurdistan province. Activists in Kurdish regions accuse some groups of arson and criticize slow state response. Security forces also arrest volunteers who attempt to extinguish fires without authorization, raising tensions between communities and officials.
Environmental experts warn that continued losses in the Hyrcanian forests could reduce rare species habitats and weaken climate resilience in northern Iran. Government agencies plan to reassess fire-prevention strategies after the current emergency. Further international cooperation also appears likely as Iran works to protect its most valuable forest heritage.