Residents fighting the flames during a fire that broke out on the evening of Nov. 23, 2025, in Akkar. (Credit: Michel Hallak)
A large wildfire broke out Sunday evening before being brought under control in a forested area called Tall al-Gharbi, between the towns of Fneideq and Qarna, in Akkar.
Firefighters from Civil Defense, along with volunteers from the rapid response team of the Darb Akkar Association, were deployed to the scene to contain the flames before they could spread to new areas and nearby homes, according to our correspondent, who noted that the fire was eventually brought under control during the night.
Similar to the fires that ravaged the heights of Shadra in early November, this latest blaze was reported after nightfall, which complicated the firefighters' work and prevented army helicopters from intervening. This has fueled suspicions that the fires may be deliberately started by individuals, according to local environmental activists, who have called for serious investigations into all these incidents in order to identify those responsible.
This year’s fire season has been unusually long, due to persistent drought despite a few rare rains in November. Higher-than-average seasonal temperatures have made it easier for fires to ignite at the slightest spark, while strong, dry winds encourage their spread. Civil Defense regularly issues warnings about any actions that could cause such disasters, such as lightning striking dry grass or throwing lit cigarette butts onto the roadside.
