A forest fire started near the locality of Kfarhouna, near Jezzine, South Lebanon, on June 19, 2023. (Courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah)
BEIRUT — A major fire broke out Wednesday in the vicinity of Kfarhouna, near Jezzine, South Lebanon, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region reported.
The Civil Defense services responded to the scene and the Lebanese Army dispensed two helicopters to help fight the flames.
Sami Issa, chairman of the Kfarhouna municipal council, told L'Orient-Le Jour that over 100 kilometers of woodland has been affected by the fire.
"Lebanese army teams had to withdraw with nightfall, but fire trucks are still on site trying to extinguish the flames," he said, adding that ''the fire is currently widening, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to bring it under control due to the lack of visibility."
A fire engine and rescue workers extinguish the blaze. (Courtesy of Muntasser Abdallah)
Two smaller fires were also reported in the region— one on the outskirts of Charchabeel, near Saida, South Lebanon, and the other along the Chamaa highway, also on the outskirts of Saida. The latter was extinguished before it reached nearby homes.
Numerous fires occur in Lebanon every year, both in summer and autumn. In recent weeks, wildfires have been reported almost daily.
In early July, the Ministry of Environment and Civil Defense warned of an increased risk of fire in most Lebanese regions due to elevated temperatures.