Fire breaks out in a large oak forest in Akkar

NORTH LEBANON — A major fire swept through a large oak forest in the northern village of Shadra in the Akkar district on Sunday evening, threatening one of Akkar’s most verdant areas, our regional correspondent reported.

The blaze is centered in a remote, hard-to-reach part of the forest, complicating firefighting efforts. Dry conditions and strong winds are driving the flames, making containment even more challenging.

Civil Defense fire trucks have been deployed, with residents assisting in attempts to control the fire. Army helicopters, which normally support such operations, have been grounded due to nightfall.

Fires are a recurring hazard in Akkar, a region known for its greenery. Residents have long called for thorough investigations, as most forest fires in the area are thought to be accidental or deliberately set, our correspondent added.

Reporting contributed by Michel Hallak.