A massive blaze swept through the Doli Dokanian area of Arbat sub-district, destroying roughly 20 acres of natural land and nearly 1,000 trees. Forest and Environment Police reported the fire as the latest in a series of Kurdistan wildfires affecting Sulaymaniyah province.
Recent fires include a blaze in Qardagh that burned 50 dunams of orchards and forests, and another in Sharbazher that consumed nearly 10,000 dunams of woodland. Over the past six months, more than 9,400 acres have been lost to flames across the province. Some fires ignited naturally, such as lightning strikes that scorched over 3,000 acres. However, many were linked to human negligence, including a 2020 fire that destroyed more than 5,000 acres.
Environment Police in Arbat, supported by Civil Defense units from Sitak, quickly contained the latest fire. Investigators traced the cause to careless fire-setting. Authorities made one arrest, with legal proceedings ongoing.
Experts warn that Kurdistan wildfires are part of Iraq’s wider environmental crisis. More than 60% of the country is desert or actively desertifying. Current estimates show 40% of Iraq affected by desertification, 70% of farmland abandoned, and over one million trees lost in just two years. Forest cover now represents less than 2% of national land. Analysts suggest reversing the trend would require planting nearly 15 billion trees.
In response, local governments are launching reforestation campaigns. Baghdad initiated its largest tree-planting drive and banned cutting mature trees along Abu Nuwas Street. Kirkuk is expanding urban green spaces through citywide greening initiatives. In Diyala, forestry teams revived a 20-acres nursery cultivating 11 endangered, drought-resistant species.
The Doli Dokanian fire underscores the urgent need for stronger forest protection and public awareness to prevent further environmental loss. Officials stress vigilance, rapid response, and strict legal enforcement to curb Kurdistan wildfires and safeguard natural heritage.