For over three months, firefighters have fought more than 4,000 wildfires threatening northern Syria, over 300 igniting since the start of July, according to Minister Raed al-Saleh. The fires are encroaching on the nation’s “most important” forested area.
The al-Fronloq Protected Area is a nature preserve that spans 11,000 acres (4500 hectares). The forest is a biodiversity haven, housing the Pine Brutia keystone species and acting as the home canal for many species of wild birds near the Asia/Europe border.
Al-Saleh, in a recent statement, said the fires are burning throughout the Lattakia Governorate in the nation’s northwestern region, nearing the preserve. He also said firefighters are focusing their efforts on preventing the flames from reaching the “largest and most important forest” in Syria. The fires have also forced some villages near the Turkish border to evacuate.
“Extinguishing operations required a total of 3,744 hours of work, of which 1,400 hours were in Lattakia Governorate alone, reflecting the intensity and complexity of the fires in that governorate, characterized by its complex mountainous terrain and vast forest areas,” the minister’s statement on Monday said. “Firefighting teams from the Syrian Civil Defense and forest firefighting units continue to battle forest fires in Latakia Governorate for the fifth consecutive day.”
Crews from Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon are assisting Syria’s fire brigades in fighting the fires, the minister said. The United Nations has also sent humanitarian crews to assess the damage from the “devastating” fires and address the most immediate needs as well as long-term support.
“At this difficult time, our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Lattakia,” UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, said in a recent statement. “We are steadfast in our commitment to support local authorities and provide timely, principled assistance to all affected communities, ensuring that urgent needs are addressed swiftly and effectively.”