Syrian Civil Defense: Firefighting Teams Continue Efforts to Contain Fires in Latakia Countryside Despite Challenges
Syrian Civil Defense teams have managed to control several fire hotspots in Latakia countryside for the tenth consecutive day, despite the significant difficulties facing the extinguishing operations, especially on the Qastal Ma'af-Kasab road.
The Civil Defense reported through its Telegram channel that firefighting teams are working intensively to contain the fires and prevent their spread, focusing on cooling the extinguished hotspots in areas like Jabal al-Nisr, Burj Zahiyah, Al-Burka, and Sheikh Hassan. It mentioned the ongoing efforts to isolate hotspots and open fire lines in forests to facilitate access, supported by aircraft enhancing extinguishing efforts.
As part of the joint coordination efforts under the Syrian Ministry of Emergency Management, specialized teams from the Qatari Ministry of Interior (Lekhwiya) arrived in Syria today, Saturday (12 July), equipped with advanced machinery and firefighting aircraft. This support aims to enhance efforts to control fires in Latakia forests and protect surrounding areas, as part of regional cooperation in facing natural disasters.
Teams faced significant challenges yesterday due to strong winds, leading to the re-spread of fires despite their success in stopping fire extension in the morning, especially in the Nab Al-Mar axis near Kasab, which is one of the toughest axes due to dense trees, rugged terrain, and minefields.
Mazen Aloush, Director of Public Relations at the General Authority for Land and Maritime Border Crossings, also announced the temporary closure of the Kasab border crossing from the Turkish side due to the fires approaching the area.
Ground and aerial firefighting teams are still operating on three main axes, namely Burj Zahiyah, Firinlak Forests, and the Nab Al-Mar area, continuing their efforts within joint coordination rooms to ensure an effective response, supported by engineering machinery, water supplies, and logistical services.
