A massive wildfire has ravaged around 5,000 acres of forest, pasture, and natural landscape in Barzanja, Sulaymaniyah province. The blaze, which lasted three days, highlights the urgent environmental crisis unfolding in the region. KRG demands immediate action as wildfires continue to threaten Kurdistan’s delicate ecosystems.
Flames broke out in the villages of Basak and Chnara, part of the Barzanja subdistrict. Despite immediate response efforts by local residents and security teams, the fire spread rapidly. The rough terrain and dry weather made firefighting efforts difficult.
The Forest and Environment Police Directorate in Sulaymaniyah released a statement confirming that the fire had finally been brought under control after 72 hours. Local authorities praised the joint effort of emergency teams and villagers in preventing further destruction.
During the three-day crisis, residents from surrounding villages, including Haji Mamand, Gêlyar, Chnara, Barzanja, and Basak, played a key role in extinguishing the flames. Their quick action helped protect nearby homes and farmlands from complete devastation.
The damage, however, is vast. Nearly 5,000 acres of woodland, pasture, and green space were lost. These areas are essential not just for biodiversity, but also for farming, animal grazing, and maintaining the natural balance. The wildfire left behind scorched soil, destroyed trees, and burned wildlife habitats.
This tragedy also underscores a growing concern: lack of fire prevention measures and resources in rural parts of Kurdistan. As climate patterns shift and summer temperatures rise, fire risks will continue to increase. In response, KRG demands immediate action to prevent future disasters and invest in stronger environmental protection.
Environmental experts warn that repeated wildfires can destroy seedbeds and root systems, making natural regeneration harder. Without long-term reforestation plans, areas like Barzanja may never fully recover.
Local environmental groups have also urged the KRG to strengthen forest monitoring systems, develop emergency response teams, and raise public awareness about fire safety—especially during the dry season.
With nearly 5,000 acres already gone, KRG demands immediate action must now turn into real steps. The government, civil society, and local communities must work together to protect what remains of Kurdistan’s natural heritage.