Six dead, hundreds injured in Iran's fire festival mishaps

Six people have died and 770 others injured in incidents related to Iran's traditional fire festival since mid-February, the country's emergency services said on Tuesday.

"Since the start of Esfand (February 19), at least 770 people have been injured in these incidents, a 26% increase compared to last year," said Babak Yektaparast, spokesperson for Iran's Emergency Organization, in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB.

He added that 91 people remain hospitalized due to severe injuries, 57 have suffered amputations, 200 sustained eye injuries, and 285 suffered burns.

The Islamic Republic’s crackdown over the years has gradually turned the ancient festival of lighting bonfires before Nowruz, known as Chaharshanbeh Suri, into a night of youth defying authorities.

Despite its evolving nature, the festival remains a deeply rooted cultural event—one that continues to reflect both the resilience of tradition and the defiance of Iran’s youth.