Ilam; Fire Consumes 5 Hectares of the "Ghalarang" Protected Forests

July 21, 2026 – The "Ghalarang" protected forests in Ilam province were finally contained after 16 hours of continuous fire and a public call for assistance, through the combined efforts of local volunteers and the Department of Environment. Speculations and local reports suggest that human error and charcoal production by certain individuals caused the wildfire.

On the afternoon of Monday, July 20, 2026, a fire broke out in the "Ghalarang" forests located within Ilam's protected region and spread rapidly due to strong winds. As the fire intensified, the Ilam Department of Environment issued an urgent call requesting assistance from local residents and environmental NGOs to contain the blaze. Ultimately, after 16 hours of efforts by Department of Environment personnel, local residents, and volunteer groups, the fire was brought under control; however, approximately 5 hectares of these forests were burned.

Published images from the scene show extensive flames alongside local volunteers participating in the containment operations. The images also reveal signs of charcoal production in the area, a factor believed to have played a role in igniting the fire.

The mountainous region of "Manasht and Ghalarang," which overlooks the cities of Ilam and Sirvan, is a protected environmental area whose forest reserve consists predominantly of oak trees. Out of Ilam province's total area of 1.7 million hectares, nearly 143,000 hectares consist of regions managed by the Department of Environment. Dinar Kouh, Kabir Kouh, Arghavan Valley, Bankol, Manasht, and Ghalarang are among the most vital natural habitats and regions in this province.