Firefighting teams in Lebanon’s northern Akkar governorate have been battling relentless wildfires for more than 48 hours, as blazes spread across multiple towns and draw dangerously close to residential areas.
The fires, which broke out in the Qammoua, Kobayat and Bireh regions, have consumed large swathes of forest as well as olive, almond and grape orchards in the outskirts of the villages of El-Barde and El-Nahriyeh. Significant damage to private property has been reported, with flames reaching the edge of several homes.
All Civil Defense centers in Akkar have been placed on full alert, supported by two Lebanese Army helicopters dispatched from the Kleiate Air Base. Volunteers from the Darb Akkar Association and the First Responder team of the Union of Jurd al-Qayta Municipalities are also assisting, under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and forest rangers.
In a new escalation, massive fires erupted on the outskirts of Zouk al-Hosnieh, forcing residents to evacuate their homes amid suffocating smoke and soaring temperatures. Locals have urgently called for a stronger military response to contain the flames and protect their properties.
Meanwhile, another fire was reported along the Adbel–Nahr Nassar road, where efforts continue to prevent the blaze from reaching nearby residential and agricultural zones.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fires, but the combination of high winds, dry conditions and heat is complicating firefighting operations.
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