The wildfire potential forecast for Jun. 20, 2024, showing the risk of wildfires in Lebanese regions. (Credit: Lebanese civil defense)
BEIRUT — Lebanon's Environment Ministry stated on Thursday that there is a "significant increase in the risk of fires in Lebanon over the next few days," according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
"Forecasts indicate a significant increase in the risk of fires in Lebanon over the next few days, especially in the Western Bekaa, Rashaya and Akkar regions," reads the ministry's statement.
The ministry also called everyone to "exercise extreme caution and avoid using any source of fire near vegetation."
Finally, it called municipalities, natural reserve committees, fire monitoring teams and civil organizations to "monitor any fire risk and for early detection to ensure timely intervention by civil defense ... teams."
"Your contribution in this matter is essential to maintain the safety of the environment and prevent the spread of fires."
On Thursday, a large fire broke out near houses on the outskirts of the village of Qabaait (Akkar), residents and civil defense officials told our correspondent in the North, Michel Hallak.
Residents have been trying to contain the rapidly expanding fire while waiting for the arrival of civil defense vehicles, using agricultural equipment to fight the blaze before it reaches their homes, orchards and agricultural lands.
Several residents have reportedly left their homes due to the heavy smoke covering the area, fearing the fire will spread to nearby forests if not quickly extinguished.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese civil defense said on X that it put out 91 fires in the past 24 hours in different areas, most of which were minor bushfires.
The civil defense also shared a map forecasting the risk of wildfires on Thursday which confirms that the danger of fires in the Bekaa and Akkar is high.
The Lebanese Civil Defense managed to put out, Wednesday at dawn, a fire on the outskirts of Ferzol, Bekaa, which ravaged 10 hectares of fruit trees.
On Wednesday, a fire in Tannourine, Northern Lebanon, resulted in the burning of dozens of trees and significant damage to water networks, according to NNA.
