Fire brought under control in Dinnieh forests

NORTH LEBANON — Firefighters brought a large wildfire under control Sunday morning in the woods around the village of Btermaz in the Dinnieh district, L'Orient Today's correspondent in north Lebanon reported.

The fire had been burning since Saturday night in this still heavily wooded area and was finally contained. Civil Defense crews on Sunday were still cooling hot spots to prevent the flames from reigniting.

Several Civil Defense units were mobilized to fight the blaze, coming not only from Dinnieh but also from Akkar and the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared. A fire truck from the camp was involved in an accident, though no injuries were reported. Army helicopters also joined the operation, particularly in areas that Civil Defense vehicles could not reach because the fire broke out in a rugged, steep section of the forest.

The fire season has been exceptionally long this year due to the ongoing drought. Temperatures remain above seasonal norms, making fires easier to ignite, while strong, dry winds help them spread. Civil Defense has repeatedly urged the public to avoid activities that could spark blazes, including burning dry grass or discarding lit cigarette butts along roadsides.

Additional reporting contributed by Michel Hallak.