Forest fire still raging in north Iran
Forest fire still raging in north Iran
21 November 2010
published by www.tehrantimes.com
Iran — A forest fire which broke out in the northeast province of Golestan on Thursday is still raging, having burned its way through at least 200 hectares so far.
The fire broke out at 10:30 a.m. local time.
More than 600 firefighters have been called in to perform the burn-out operation, an official of the crisis management organization told ISNA on Saturday.
Two fire-fighting helicopters have been dispatched to the scene and two more helicopters were to be sent from Tehran to help extinguish the fire.
According to the official no one has been injured in the fire and damages could be assessed only after the operation is completed.
He said wind and weather condition have made it difficult to put out the fire.
Another environmental official also told ISNA on Saturday that the main cause of the fire has not been determined yet and predicted that the fire would be contained by Sunday.
Wildfire has destroyed habitat of animals
According to the Mehr News Agency, the fire has endangered the lives of various species of birds, animals and reptiles inhabiting the forest.
Local people say that they have seen the charred bodies of some animals like snakes, turtles, frogs, and foxes.
