Gilan Governorate: Fire in Most Forests Controlled as of Sunday Evening

The Director General of the Crisis Management Headquarters of Gilan Province stated on Sunday morning, April 5, to the Iranian state news agency that the fire on Saturday has been controlled in most forests, except for Siyahkal. In recent hours, rescue forces have been dispatched to the forests of several counties in Gilan. The Red Crescent of Gilan Province reported on Saturday night that rescue teams have been sent to Lahijan, Siyahkal, Langroud, Shaft, Astanah Ashrafiyeh, Soume'eh Sara, and Fuman to combat the recent fire. The Red Crescent of Golestan Province stated at midnight that the fire is 'currently under control' but warned that it may spread further. It has been reported that warm winds have exacerbated the fire, and several citizens have been trapped in the midst of the blaze. According to ISNA news agency, some locals have evacuated the area. No reports of potential human casualties have been released yet. The Director General of the Crisis Management Headquarters of Gilan Province stated that the exact cause of the fires is still unclear 'but given the warm winds, it is likely due to the negligence of tourists.' The Natural Resources Department of Gilan Province had warned about the weather conditions on Saturday and requested citizens and travelers to refrain from lighting fires in forested and pasture areas due to strong warm winds. The Gilan Meteorological Organization reported that warm winds will continue until Sunday morning, with the possibility of rain and a drop in temperature in the afternoon and evening. Gilan Province has over 560,000 hectares of forested areas. On Saturday, strong winds and storms in other northern regions of Iran, including Golestan and East and West Azerbaijan provinces, resulted in at least three deaths.