A fire broke out in the grasslands on the outskirts of Safina al-Qaytaa, Akkar, North Lebanon. (Photo supplied by our correspondent Michel Hallak)
BEIRUT — A fire broke out on Sunday in the grasslands on the outskirts of Safina al-Qaytaa, Akkar, North Lebanon, rapidly spreading to nearby almond orchards and grapevines, L'Orient Today's correspondent reported.
Civil defense personnel, supported by the Rapid Intervention Team of the Darb Akkar environmental organization, are working to contain the blaze, which has been exacerbated by strong winds. Large areas of land have been engulfed in flames, with smoke clouds severely limiting visibility.
In a separate incident the same day, the Civil Defense successfully extinguished a fire along the main road between Rahba and Tikrit in Akkar. This fire threatened nearby homes and destroyed some forest and fruit trees.
Wildfires are a persistent problem in Lebanon, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. While the causes of these latest fires are unclear, the combination of drought and high temperatures creates conditions that allow blazes to spread rapidly. The rugged terrain of the Akkar region further complicates firefighting efforts. Ongoing environmental and climatic pressures are increasing the frequency and severity of these damaging wildfires in Lebanon.
Additional reporting contributed by Michel Hallak