Fires in Akkar in June 2024. Photo by Michel Hallak
The Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) at the Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday published a series of guidelines to help prevent heat-related illnesses and wildfires as a heat wave expected to last until mid-August settles over the country.
For the public, the ministry advised people to stay hydrated, protect their heads and eyes, avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, avoid leaving lighters or eyeglasses inside vehicles because of the risk of fire or explosion, never leave children in vehicles under direct sunlight, check household electrical outlets, avoid spicy or highly perishable foods, refrain from leaving perishable items in vehicles under the sun for more than 10 minutes and refrigerate them as soon as possible, check vehicle water and oil levels, avoid throwing cigarette butts from vehicle windows and protect against mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases.
For farmers, the ministry advised against spraying fertilizers or pesticides during the heat wave to avoid damaging crops, recommended regular irrigation, called for the use of cooling systems in plastic greenhouses and urged against burning dry grass without strict supervision.
The ministry also urged municipalities, firefighters and security agencies to cut dry grass along roadsides, fully extinguish fires after outdoor activities such as picnics, ensure the availability of water tanks, issue early wildfire warnings, keep firefighting helicopters and emergency crews on standby, prosecute suspected arsonists and keep water tanker trucks ready for deployment.
