Wildfire in Wadi Halsban between Akkar al-Atiqa and Qobeiyat on 25 Sept. 2022. (Credit: Photo sent by Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — A fire that broke out Saturday in Wadi Halsban between Akkar al-Atiqa and Qobeiyat reignited Sunday and is spreading rapidly across areas due to the speed of the wind, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region. The fire has left thick clouds of smoke covering the area.
Caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin is following up with the firefighting teams on the blaze's developments, and he has contacted the army commander to secure a military helicopter to help control the flames.
The mayor of Akkar al-Atiqa, Muhammad Khalil, said that “despite putting out the fire yesterday, the members of the Civil Defense center in Akkar al-Atiqa, the Darb Akkar Association team [an environmental organization], and the municipal police remained at the site today to face any emergency. Until now, the firefighters have been unable to put out the fire, and there is a great fear that it will reach the woods of the nearby town of Qobeiyat, which warns of an imminent disaster.”
Khalil appealed to the commander of the army and the Defense Ministry for assistance in putting out the fire.
Many wildfires occur each year in Lebanon, especially during the summer and autumn months, and are often man-made, Yassin has previously stated.
Additional reporting by Michel Hallak.