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Civil Defense battles wildfire between Kfar Abida, Edde in Batroun

Civil Defense battles wildfire between Kfar Abida, Edde in Batroun

A Civil Defense member extinguishing a fire near Batroun on May 22, 2023. (Credit: Civil Defense's Twitter page)

BEIRUT — A fire broke out Monday afternoon between Kfar Abida and Eede in Batroun, North Lebanon, Lebanese Civil Defense tweeted Monday.

A team was deployed to the scene to combat the fire.

“Members of the Civil Defense, reinforced with personnel and equipment, are working to put out the critical fire,” the tweet explained.


Monday's windy conditions and high temperatures meant increased fire risk in some areas of the country, including the Bekaa Valley, according to Dr. George Mitri, ​​director of the Land and Natural Resources Program at the University of Balamand. The program analyzes forest fires across Lebanon and runs an online platform tracking wildfire risks based on weather data.

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Lebanon at increased wildfire risk with Earth’s second-warmest March on record

The North and Akkar governorates, home to large swaths of green areas, are particularly prone to forest fires.

Civil Defense teams and volunteer groups often intervene to extinguish fires, but frequently struggle with equipment shortages due to Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis.

“We’re mostly worried about the level of preparedness,” Lebanese caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassin told L’Orient Today in March.

Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak. 

BEIRUT — A fire broke out Monday afternoon between Kfar Abida and Eede in Batroun, North Lebanon, Lebanese Civil Defense tweeted Monday.A team was deployed to the scene to combat the fire.“Members of the Civil Defense, reinforced with personnel and equipment, are working to put out the critical fire,” the tweet explained.يعمل عناصر من الدفاع المدني معززين...