Wadi Jahanam forest blaze contained after days of firefighting

A devastating forest fire in Wadi Jahanam, Akkar, which broke out on Monday evening, was finally extinguished on Saturday, L'Orient Today's correspondent in the area reported. The fire, the latest in a series of forest fires in the Akkar area, caused significant damage to the local ecosystem, with the blaze quickly spreading to the forests of the town of Mishmish.

According to a report by the Darb Akkar Environmental Group, the fire was particularly challenging to manage due to its location in difficult terrain approximately 200 meters above a gravel road. The Lebanese Army’s helicopters were crucial in the firefighting efforts, although heavy smoke obstructed their view and complicated the task. 

Local residents from the Dhehibi and Dali families also played a role in halting the fire’s spread by using small water hoses, our correspondent reported.

The fire ultimately consumed 52 hectares of pine and oak forests ,as well as juniper and mastic trees, releasing substantial amounts of carbon.

Despite the fire’s considerable impact, the worst-case scenario of the fire spreading to the Qatra forest was avoided.