A fire burns in Akkar, July 6, 2023. (Credit: Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — A fire has ravaged Akkar, North Lebanon, since Wednesday evening, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region reported on Thursday.
The fire broke out in forests overlooking Wadi Jouhannam, Dennieh, as well as in Mechmech, Akkar.
The fire continued to spread on Thursday, assisted by the topography of the area, which made it difficult for firefighters to access. So far, only part of the fire has been brought under control, near a stream.
The president of the Mechmech municipal council implored the caretaker Environment Minister Nasser Yassine and the army command to send military helicopters to help extinguish the fire.
On Sunday, yet another fire broke out in Akkar. Such fires have been recurring yearly in the area. It is only the beginning of forest fire season, and the country is further threatened by its limited capacities and resources to fight such disasters.
On June 24, a gigantic forest fire broke out in the Sinn region, also in Akkar, burning at least 90 hectares of forest, ravaging century-old trees and affecting homes.
Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak