A view of the fire in Meshmesh, Akkar on Monday. (Courtesy of Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — A fire erupted on Monday in the village of Meshmesh in Akkar, North Lebanon, and risks spreading toward the nearby Al-Qatar Forest, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in the area reported.
Here’s what we know:
• According to L’Orient Today’s correspondent, activists from the Darb Akkar (“Path to Akkar”) environmental organization have urged authorities to intervene before the fire spreads into the forest.
• The activists also urged the Lebanese Army to send a helicopter to assist in fighting the fire due to the area’s rugged terrain. According to our correspondent, caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin has coordinated with caretaker Defense Minister Maurice Slim concerning the fire.
• Many fires take place each year in Lebanon, especially during the summer and autumn months, and are oftentimes man-made, according to caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin. July 2022 has already seen several fires around the country, particularly in Akkar.
Additional reporting by Michel Hallak