Forest fires started on the southeastern coast of the Caspian Sea in the Iranian province of Gulistan on Nov. 18 and continue today, the Fars news agency reported.
"We have been unable to extinguish fires in Mikodasht, Aliabad Kelal and two other regions," Organization for Iranian Forest Protection Security Team Commander, General Taghi Irevani, said.
He added that strong winds spread the fires yesterday evening.
"It will be impossible to fully extinguish the fires if burned stumps are not removed," he said
Six fire-fighting helicopters are engaged in extinguishing the fires. Two more will take off to fight the fires tomorrow, he said.
When asked if Iran had appealed to Russia for help, the general said the Interior Ministry is handling the issue.
"However, I do not believe that we will need Russian help," he said.
He also stressed that the damage is still being evaluated.
The Gulistan province is located in northeastern Iran. The center of this province is the city of Gorgan. The province borders Turkmenistan to the north and the Caspian Sea to the west. About 60-70 percent of the province's populatio are Turkmens. Azerbaijanis also live in the province.