Latakia Forest Fires on Their Tenth Day: Out of Control

In a tragic scene that repeats despite all efforts, forest fires continue to spread in the northern countryside of Latakia, where fires have reignited on three main axes: Burj Zahiyah, Fernalk Forests, and the area of Nab Al-Mar near the city of Kasab.

These axes are considered the most difficult in firefighting operations due to the density of the forests, rugged terrains, in addition to the large spread of landmines and war remnants that hinder the work of firefighting teams.

The Syrian Civil Defense explained through its official channel on Telegram that strong winds yesterday afternoon contributed to the expansion of the fires despite the partial control achieved by the teams in the morning, especially in the Nab Al-Mar axis, which poses a great challenge due to the nature of the terrains.

More than 150 teams from the Syrian Civil Defense, firefighting brigades, as well as support teams from institutions, ministries, and volunteer teams are participating in the extinguishing efforts, supported by more than 300 firefighting vehicles and heavy engineering equipment working on dividing the forests and opening roads for the teams.

Wildfire teams from Turkey and Jordan are also participating, along with 16 aerial firefighting aircraft from Syria, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, in a joint international coordination to confront the disaster.

According to satellite images, the affected area by the fires has exceeded 110 square kilometers, equivalent to more than 11,000 hectares of forests that have turned into ashes in just a few days, causing severe environmental losses and leading to the destruction of a large part of the environmental balance and wildlife in the region.

This natural disaster, which is closer to a crime against nature, is a loud cry against negligence and failure to protect the Syrian forests.

Trees that took decades to grow have turned to ashes, birds and wildlife have fled and lost their habitats, in addition to farmers losing their lands, crops, and even their neighboring homes.

Despite all these challenges, the civil defense and firefighting teams continue to struggle against the winds, landmines, and difficult obstacles, making great sacrifices to preserve what remains of nature and safety in the countryside of Latakia.