Elaheh Jafarzadeh: As the warm days of the year approach, concerns about the recurrence of widespread wildfires in the forests and pastures of the Zagros Mountains have increased. This ecosystem has been under pressure in recent years due to a combination of drought, global warming, human interventions, and poor management of natural resources. Experts warn that signs of a dangerous season are already evident, with fires beginning before the peak summer heat arrives. Abbas Mohammadi, director of the Mountain Watch Association and environmental activist, stated in an interview with KhabarOnline that the frequency and extent of wildfires have increased significantly in recent decades: “The Zagros Mountains and northern forests have faced wildfires in the past, and this is not a new issue. However, what we are currently experiencing is an increase in the number and extent of fires compared to 30 or 40 years ago.” Read more details in this link.

He identifies global warming as one of the most significant factors contributing to this situation: “According to global reports, the average temperature increase worldwide has been about one and a half degrees Celsius, but in the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, this increase has reached about three degrees. This significantly raises the risk of fire occurrence and spread.”

From Drought to Mismanagement: Factors Intensifying the Crisis

The current crisis in the Zagros Mountains is not solely the result of climate change. Mohammadi believes that nearly five decades of mismanagement in natural areas have also played a role in creating the current conditions: “Irregular human and livestock presence, illegal logging, uncontrolled tourism, road construction, infrastructure projects, and construction in natural areas are some of the factors that have increased the vulnerability of forests.”

Fires Have Already Started

Mohammadi emphasizes that the risk of wildfires this year is not merely a prediction, as signs of it are already visible: “Even now, in early June, wildfires have begun. In Fars Province, we have several large wildfires, and the forests are burning. This is happening while we have not yet reached the peak summer heat.” He warns that spring rains have also indirectly increased the fire risk: “The spring rains have led to the widespread growth of annual grasses. Once dried, these grasses turn into a massive amount of combustible material, effectively acting like a powder keg.”