Ari Mukhtar, a teacher and community volunteer in Halabja, Iraq, tragically lost his life while fighting wildfires that have intensified due to climate change. On August 17, 2025, he responded to a fire call after work, joining a group he had formed to combat wildfires in their region. Despite their efforts, the group lacked safety equipment and training. Ari was severely burned when his blower device caught fire, leading to his death shortly after arriving at the hospital. His loss has devastated his family and community, who vow to continue his firefighting legacy. The increasing frequency of wildfires in Iraq, driven by climate change and drought, poses a significant threat to the region's forests and communities, highlighting the urgent need for better resources and climate action.