The Miankaleh International Wildlife Refuge in Mazandaran Province was struck by six consecutive wildfires over the past three days. According to environmental officials, joint efforts by park rangers, emergency responders, and local communities successfully contained all the primary fire zones, with monitoring and mop-up operations currently underway to prevent reignition.
Mohammadreza Kanaani, Director General of Environmental Protection for Mazandaran Province, outlined details of the incidents, stating that two fires occurred on Friday, three on Sunday, and another on Monday across various sectors of the ecosystem.
According to Kanaani, following the initial reports, Environmental Protection Unit teams were deployed to the area, equipped with water tankers and specialised gear. They worked alongside the Mazandaran Provincial Crisis Management Directorate, the Behshahr County Authority, and other relief services.
The Miankaleh International Wetland is one of Iran’s most critical biosphere reserves and a vital habitat for migratory birds and protected fauna. Alongside other major wetlands in Mazandaran, it hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds annually, serving a crucial role in sustaining regional biodiversity and ecological stability.
Environmental experts warn that recurring fires in this fragile habitat threaten native flora and fauna while posing long-term and potentially irreversible consequences for the Miankaleh ecosystem and northern Iran’s natural re
