According to data released by the “Green Mountain Association" of Mariwan-Iran, from the March 2025 until October, a total of 227 incidents of wildfire—both deliberate and caused by negligence—have been recorded in the forests and ecological zones of Mariwan and its surrounding areas, including Sulawa, Kalaterzan, Sarshiv, Javeru, Komasî, Khaomirawa, Berpley Salal, and Janawara.
The report indicates that a significant portion of vegetation and natural landscapes in these regions has been destroyed by fire, causing severe damage to the Zagros ecosystem. Environmental activists state that these fires were contained only through the relentless efforts of local volunteers and eco-defenders, while firefighting resources were insufficient and state presence was minimal.
The “Green Mountain Association" had previously warned that forest destruction and deliberate burning in the Zagros region have sharply increased in recent years. In addition to illegal logging, unregulated construction, and government neglect, natural resources are being systematically devastated.
Earlier, Avatoday, in an investigative report quoting environmental activists, revealed that barrels filled with incendiary materials wired with explosive components had been discovered in burned forest zones. Local sources believe these devices may have been used to accelerate the spread of wildfires across the Zagros forests.
These findings strongly support the claims of Kurdish environmental defenders, who accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran—particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of deliberate arson targeting the Zagros woodlands.
