Economy ministry: Azerbaijan battles rising wildfire risk amid hot, dry weather

Azerbaijan has recorded 83 fires near forests and natural areas since the beginning of the year, with 15 of them spreading into forested land and two reaching protected nature reserves, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources said in a statement.

Officials warn that prolonged hot and dry weather has significantly increased the risk of wildfires across the country’s forests and green zones, Caliber.Az reports per the statement.

According to the ministry, human activity remains the leading cause of such fires. Most incidents are reportedly linked to negligence by farmers, rural residents, and tourists—particularly through the careless use of open flames and discarded cigarette butts.

“Data shows that many fires start outside of forest reserves and protected areas, but later spread due to dry conditions and strong winds,” the statement said. The resulting damage affects forest resources, biodiversity, protected zones, and the topsoil, disrupting the country’s ecosystems.

In response, authorities have ramped up preventive measures. Firebreaks have been established, additional monitoring posts and watchtowers installed, and volunteer fire brigades mobilised, the statement says. The Ministry of Ecology is also working with the Ministry of Emergency Situations to conduct regional meetings and public fire safety training sessions.

Natural areas, pastures, and forests have become increasingly vulnerable to fires under the current climate conditions, the ministry noted.

The ministry urged citizens, particularly those living near forests, farmers, and tourists, to exercise caution and avoid using open flames in nature. The ministry also emphasised the importance of properly extinguishing cigarette butts to prevent further outbreaks.

By Sabina Mammadli