Since early Friday morning, Lebanese Army helicopters have been conducting aerial missions to contain a massive wildfire tearing through the cedar and fir forests of Qala in the highlands of Mish Mish, Akkar, near the mountainous border between Akkar, Dinniyeh and Hermel.
The fire, which has been spreading for two days under harsh weather conditions, intensified overnight due to dry mountain winds and dry grass in the area of Jurd al-Qayta, making containment efforts even more difficult. Heavy fog yesterday afternoon also grounded aerial operations, allowing the flames to expand further.
Ground efforts include Civil Defense personnel and vehicles, the Union of Jurd al-Qayta Municipalities as well as teams from the Union’s First Responder unit. Darb Akkar’s Rapid Fire Response Team is also on the scene, battling the flames with backpack sprayers and hand tools on treacherous slopes.
Authorities are relying heavily on the army's air support today to halt the fire’s advance. The fire has already inflicted severe damage on centuries-old Cilician firs, cedar trees, natural vegetation and wildlife habitats.
Calls are growing for a transparent investigation into the recurring fires in this sensitive forest region, especially as evidence suggests they may have been deliberately set.
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