A large fire in the vicinity of Bazzal, in the Akkar region, on Sept. 16, 2024. Photo provided by Michelle Hallak.
A major fire broke out in the vicinity of Bazzal, in the Akkar region, along the main road connecting the villages of Jurd Qaytaa, our correspondent in North Lebanon, reported Monday.
The road was closed due to the thick smoke from the fire. According to our correspondent, the flames began in an illegal dump and quickly spread toward the forests. Firefighting teams and vehicles from the region's Civil Defense centers, along with the rapid response group from the Darb Akkar association and the first-response team from the Jurd Qaytaa Federation of Municipalities, quickly intervened.
Forest fires are an ongoing issue in Lebanon, especially during the hot and dry summer months. While the cause of this latest fire remains uncertain, the combination of drought and high temperatures creates favorable conditions for flames to spread rapidly. The rugged terrain of Akkar further complicates firefighting efforts. Ongoing environmental and climatic pressures are also increasing the frequency and severity of these devastating fires.
Additional reporting Michel Hallak.