Flames ravage a forested area in Bakhaoun (Minieh-Dinnieh) on July 14, 2023. (Courtesy of Michel Hallak)
Significant forest fires broke out on Friday in the Wadi Jhannam area of Akkar, as well as in Bakhaoun, in the Minieh-Dinnieh district.
Lebanon is expecting a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
A large fire erupted in the forested area of Wadi Jhannam near the towns of Hrar and Qemmamine, an area that also experienced fires last week.
Civil Defense agents have been deployed, along with members of the Akkar Trail association, to assist in extinguishing the flames. Local residents are also participating in the firefighting efforts.
The president of the neighboring Mechmech municipality, Mohammad Berri, issued an urgent appeal to the authorities, the army, Civil Defense, the ministries of Agriculture and Environment, as well as environmental activists and the Union of Municipalities of Jurd al-Qaytaa.
He called for an investigation "and severe punishment for the suspects believed to be responsible for the incident, their arrest, and prosecution."
Berri stated that he had contacted Nasser Yassine, the outgoing Minister of Environment, who confirmed that he was "monitoring the developments of the fire" and had been in contact with the army's commander-in-chief to follow the situation.
Another major fire broke out in Bakhaoun in the Minieh-Dinnieh region. The fire season started early this summer due to drought and high temperatures.
The Akkar region in the north, known for its dense forest cover, has been heavily affected by wildfires. It is also one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in Lebanon, often complicating firefighting operations for local volunteers.