Fire breaks out in Syrian refugee camp in Akkar

BEIRUT — A large fire broke out on Wednesday in a Syrian refugee camp on the outskirts of Kobat Bchamra town in Akkar, North Lebanon. The blaze destroyed more than 20 tents, according to our correspondent in the area. Two casualties have been reported.

Residents of the surrounding area quickly rushed to the scene and worked alongside the camp's residents to try to extinguish the fire, fearing it would spread to additional tents.

Fire fighters from the Bebnine-Abdeh Civil Defense Center, along with Lebanese Red Cross teams, headed to the scene.

The explosion of a gas cylinder caused the fire, which formed black smoke that billowed and was seen from various areas in Akkar.

More than 20 tents adjacent to each other were completely burned. Most of the residents of this camp, estimated at about 100 people, are now displaced.

Black smoke billows from a Syrian refugee camp where a fire broke out, Aug. 7, 2024. (Credit: Michel Hallak)

The Lebanese Red Cross treated two people that suffered shortness of breath and transported them to al-Khair Hospital in Al-Minieh.

Many Syrian refugees in Lebanon live in precarious living conditions, where makeshift camps are vulnerable to accidents and disasters.

In July, a large fire broke out in a Syrian refugee camp on the outskirts of the town of Bhanin in Minyeh, North Lebanon, destroying 10 tents.

In April, a devastating fire in the Hamed al-Hassan Syrian refugee camp near Zahle reduced the camp to ashes. The fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials in the tents, and though no casualties were reported, the refugees were left homeless.

Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak.