The wildfire in Iraqi part of the wetland had been mostly contained some 5 days ago with the help of aircrafts and helicopters. A shared wetland between Iran and Iraq, Hour al-Azim has been hit by wildfire since July 2, mainly in Iraqi part of the wetland. The smoke of this wildfire has caused great discomfort for those living in Khuzestan province of Iran.
The wildfire has occurred mostly in Iraqi section of the wetland and the possibility of deliberate fire is very high, said Kiamars Hajizadeh, director general of disaster management department of Khuzestan province.
Numerous operations have been carried out to extinguish the fire but since it is happening in Iraq, conducting the operations is very challenging, he added.
The most appropriate approach for controlling fire is to release the water of Karkheh River, he highlighted, adding that special committee have been established to further discuss the issue.
He went on to say that Khuzestan province has once again requested for the dispatch of fire-fighting aircrafts and helicopters and its required preparations are being taken.
Elsewhere, Hajizadeh emphasized that Iran’s Foreign Ministry should negotiate with Iraqi side and convince them to join the operations.
MAH/4360575
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