"40 people arrested" in connection with the Zagros forest fires

The commander of the Protection Unit of the Iranian Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Management Organization announced on Wednesday the arrest of 40 people in connection with recent fires in the Zagros forests.

According to IRNA, Colonel Ali Abbas Nejad said: "So far, 40 suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent fires in the Zagros forests."

He added: "Investigations show that some fires in the Zagros forests were suspicious, and in this regard, these individuals were arrested and handed over to the judicial system, and he expressed hope that the facts regarding these fires will be clarified."

In recent weeks, fires have broken out on the fringes of the Zagros Mountains in the provinces of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, Bushehr, Khuzestan, Ilam, and Kurdistan.

At least five environmental activists have lost their lives in forest fires since the beginning of this year.

Source: Radio Farda