The wildfire that broke out about a week ago in Iran's southwestern forests has been contained, a wildlife protection official announced, blaming its eruption on a tribal dispute between the locals.
"The blaze in Bahmai's forests [in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province] has been extinguished," said Colonel Qasem Sabzali, commander of the protection unit at the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization.
"It was caused by an ethnic, tribal conflict between the residents of nearby villages," Sabzali said, adding that several people suspected of starting the fire have been arrested.
The rugged mountainous terrain was hampering firefighting efforts that lasted for several days, ILNA reported.
"We put out the blaze several times but it was re-kindled by half-burned trunks," the colonel said.
"Over 40 hectares of forested land in the city of Landeh in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province were affected by the fire, which continued to burn for four or five days… But according to the latest reports, it has been completely stopped."
He noted the areas struck by the fire could be restored.
The incident was another blow to government attempts to preserve national forests, which are already frequently struck by natural wildfires.
"We commonly see jungles across the country going ablaze due to temperatures rises, low humidity and vegetation loss, but the fire in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province has wreaked more havoc than others," the commander added.
