Forest fires have become a transboundary issue—a crisis that not only affects Iran but also many countries such as Brazil, the United States, Portugal, Canada, and Australia, causing heavy economic and environmental losses every year. In recent years, Iran has faced approximately 32,000 hectares of burned land and extensive environmental damage. The intensity of fires is scattered across nine major provinces, from the north to the south of the country, and a significant portion of them is linked to human factors such as negligence, deliberate ignition, and weak supervision.
The experience of other countries shows that controlling fires is not possible through government efforts alone; public participation plays a key role. In Portugal, an SMS-based alert system is used; in Japan, local community patrols operate; in Canada, a volunteer firefighting network is active; and in Australia, comprehensive safety training is provided to residents living near forests. The United States has also managed to reduce some losses through Fire Weather programs and precise climate warnings. The common thread across all these models is a human-centered approach to risk management.
In Iran, the solutions are also clear. Responsibilities for the public include promptly reporting fires, avoiding open flames in natural areas, adhering to principles of responsibility, and being aware of the risks of drought and heat. At the governmental level, it is necessary to equip rescue forces, provide firefighting helicopters and planes, train local communities, and forecast weather conditions accurately. Statistics indicate that 80 percent of forest fires are preventable if crisis management focuses on prevention and field monitoring rather than reactive measures after an incident.
Accordingly, forest fires are not merely natural events; they are a sign of weak risk management and changing human behavior. Every fire left unchecked is equivalent to the loss of thousands of trees, the destruction of wildlife habitats, a reduction in biodiversity, and an intensification of climate change. The path forward is clear: prevention, social participation, and specialized equipment.
NOURNEWS