Wildfires Erupt Again in Kohgilouyeh - Boyerahmad

Bid-e Abrisham forests in Kohgilouyeh-Boyerahmad Province on Sunday witnessed wildfires for the third time in as many days. 

The forests are part of the East Dena Protected Area, which means they're protected by the Department of Environment.

The fire started at 3 p.m. and was put out at 9 p.m., but DOE forces are on standby to monitor the area and prevent the rekindling of fires, ISNA reported. 

The oak and wild almond forest was struck by fire for the first time on Friday at 2 p.m. The fire brigade and Red Crescent forces along with park rangers and local residents managed to extinguish the fire after nine and a half hours at 11:30 p.m. 

However, at 4 p.m. the next day, fires erupted once again and were put out after eight hours—this time by park rangers and other DOE employees. 

The provincial DOE office has not yet announced the extent of damage to the forest. 

"At present, our top priority is to monitor the situation, after which we will initiate surveys to determine the amount of damage," said Seyyed Asadollah Hashemi, the head of the provincial DOE office.

According to the official, the fire was manmade but it was not immediately clear if it was intentional. 

Hashemi called on the media, especially the national television and radio, to raise public awareness about the role of human activities in causing forest fires. 

"The media must encourage people to care for natural resources and forests when they go camping and ensure the fire they light up is completely extinguished before leaving the area," he said. 

The official lamented the lack of work force and equipment to prevent and control wildfires, calling on volunteers to help out when fires break out in forests. 

Hashemi added that the DOE staff is not adequate for the mission, and other organizations as well as public forces must cooperate in times of natural disasters. 

The forests and plains of Bid-e Abrisham are located in the eastern Dena Protected Area. The main vegetations are oak and Arjan (an endemic wild almond species) trees. 

According to forestry officials, 95% of all wildfires in Iran are manmade, 30% of which are intentional. On average, forest fires annually inflict losses worth 3.2 trillion rials ($85.3 million).