On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Chiako Yousefnajad, one of Kurdistan’s prominent environmental activists, passed away at Kosar Hospital in Sanandaj after suffering severe burns while trying to extinguish a large wildfire in the heights of Abidar Mountain.
According to Kolbarnews, in recent days Yousefnajad, along with a group of local activists and volunteers, had been involved in firefighting efforts on Abidar Mountain. Due to the intensity of the flames and a lack of proper safety equipment, he sustained serious burns. His condition was critical from the outset, and despite efforts by the medical staff at Kosar Hospital, he passed away earlier today.
Earlier, on Thursday, July 24, 2025, during the same wildfire and firefighting operation, Hamid Moradi, director of the environmental organization Shenay Nojin Kurdistan along with four other civil and environmental activists; Mohsen Hoseinipanahi, Khabbat Amini, Chiako Yousefnajad, and Seyed Mostafa Hajir, suffered severe burns and were transferred to Kosar Hospital. Moradi, who had been admitted to the intensive care unit, died Friday morning from his injuries.
Chiako Yousefnajad is the second fatality from this tragic incident. The condition of the remaining injured individuals remains critical, raising ongoing concern for their lives.
Widespread wildfires in Kurdistan’s forests and pastures have become a growing environmental crisis in recent years.
