
A forest fire in Btormaz, in the Dinnieh region of North Lebanon, in March 2023. (Credit: Michel Hallak/L'Orient-Le Jour)
The Lebanese Civil Defense warned citizens, on the occasion of the feast of Saint Elijah, against the use of firecrackers and fireworks, which could cause fires, particularly near forests and dry grasslands.
This statement was issued as weather conditions, characterized by hot air masses currently dominating Lebanon, increase the risk of fires.
The Civil Defence warned of the potential consequences of these dangerous practices, including the risk of loss of life and destruction of forests and property. It added that if a fire is detected, it is imperative to contact the emergency number 125.
Fires are a recurring problem in Lebanon, especially during the hot and dry summer months. The combination of drought and high temperatures creates favorable conditions for such fires to spread rapidly. Current environmental and climatic pressures contribute to their increasing frequency and severity.
This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.