Avash News: Shina Ansari stated that all government bodies are working together to extinguish the fire. She said follow-up measures have been taken to dispatch Ilyushin aircraft and additional helicopters to the region. “Currently, two Ilyushin aircraft have been deployed and have conducted water-dropping operations twice,” Ansari said, adding that six helicopters have also been sent to assist in containing the fire.
Ansari added that about 400 personnel—including local residents, rangers, the Crisis Management Headquarters, and the Red Crescent—have been mobilized in the area to help bring the fire under control.
She noted that, with the cooperation of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two firefighting aircraft from Turkey, along with a helicopter and eight specialized experts, have been deployed to the region. The Russian government has also expressed readiness to assist Iran if needed.
She underlined that today’s water-dropping missions have been highly effective. “Fires are visible on slopes in scattered spots and continue to burn. Once the smoke clears, helicopters will begin identifying and extinguishing remaining hotspots.”
“Yesterday, two Ilyushin aircraft carried out two water-dropping operations. Today, two more Ilyushins are on site, each capable of conducting two drops of 40 tons of water. Thus, four flights will be carried out today,” she said.
She added that Turkish aircraft, being smaller, are capable of flying at lower altitudes. “If any issue arises, Russian capabilities can also be utilized.”
The Elit Forest, located in Marzan-Abad near Chalous in northern Mazandaran Province, has experienced two waves of fires— the first on November 1, which was extinguished after several days of effort, and the second beginning on November 15, which is still ongoing. Thanks to the use of multiple helicopters and the efforts of local and rescue forces, a large portion of the fire has been brought under control, with only a small area still burning.
Approximately eight hectares of the forest have been affected, seven of which have been extinguished through aerial and ground operations. Currently, less than one hectare remains ablaze.
High temperatures, difficult terrain, and the accumulation of dry leaves and dead trees have caused repeated fires in the region.
