Hyrcanian UNESCO forests in Iran burning amid drought and complex terrain

Iran seeks aid for UNESCO forests

Iran has asked foreign governments to help contain a large wildfire in the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran, after flames reignited in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area in mid November.

Local media reported on Saturday 22 November 2025 that the fire has burned through the ancient forests for several days.

The blaze first broke out in early November, was temporarily brought under control and then reignited on 15 November, according to the official IRNA news agency.

The Hyrcanian forests run for around 1,000 kilometres along the Caspian Sea coast in Iran and into neighbouring Azerbaijan.

Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Deputy to Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, wrote on X that Iran had requested urgent assistance from friendly countries because domestic efforts could not keep the fire under control.

Hyrcanian forests and drought conditions

UNESCO recognised the Hyrcanian forests as a World Heritage Site in 2019.

The area is described as being between 25 and 50 million years old and containing more than 3,200 plant species.

UNESCO states that the forests include many rare and endemic tree species as well as relic and endangered plants.

The country is experiencing one of its most severe droughts in around six decades, according to the report.

Hossein Ali Mohammadi, Director General of crisis management for Mazandaran province, described the operation to extinguish the fire as “one of the most complex in recent years.”

Aerial firefighting support from Turkiye

Shina Ansari, Head of the Iranian Environmental Protection Organization, said two specialised water bomber aircraft, a helicopter and eight personnel will be dispatched from Turkiye.

Ansari explained on state television that Iran may also seek assistance from Russia if additional support is required.

The fire is affecting rocky terrain in the Elit area of Mazandaran province in northern Iran, where Tasnim news agency reported that hunters allegedly started the blaze.

Concerns over loss of ancient heritage

UN scientist and former Iranian environmental official Kaveh Madani commented on X about the impact of the fire on the forests.

Madani said: “Iranians are losing a natural heritage that is older than Persian civilization.”

Wildfire operations in heritage forest areas

The Hyrcanian wildfire shows how prolonged drought can make forest fires harder to control over extended periods.

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, the case shows that large forest areas with complex terrain may require sustained aerial support and cross border assistance to prevent flare ups.

Emergency and disaster response managers can observe that Iran has turned to specialist water bomber aircraft, helicopters and foreign crews when on the ground resources alone were not enough to contain the fire.

Government departments responsible for environment and heritage policy can see that fire in World Heritage forests can quickly become an international issue when assets of global importance are at risk.

Risk assessors and planners working on wildfire scenarios may need to consider how ignition sources such as hunting activities interact with drought conditions in forested regions.

The operation described as one of the most complex in recent years in Mazandaran province also points to the need for detailed contingency planning for remote, rocky terrain where access is limited.

These details provide reference points for those shaping future wildfire response strategies in similar climatic and ecological conditions.