Syrian Firefighters Have Been Struggling To Contain Huge Wildfires For Days Due To Outdated Equipment
The fire spread quickly due to extreme heat and drought across Syria's northwestern province of Latakia.
Massive wildfires have scorched acres of land across Syria’s northwestern province of Latakia for nearly 10 days, marking one of the worst wildfires Syria has experienced.
The wildfires, which reportedly started as early as June 30, burned more than 14,000 hectares of forest and farmland before being brought under control on Sunday, July 13, according to national and international NGOs in Syria.
The fire spread quickly due to extreme heat and drought, displacing nearly 1,150 people and affecting more than 14,000, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs Office, OCHA.
Syria’s civil defense said there have been no injuries among residents, but firefighters were injured as they battled the fire with outdated equipment.
They also had to navigate through dangerous terrain while putting out fires while avoiding detonating landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) left over from 14 years of conflict in Syria.
The wildfires scorched farmland, increasing food insecurity for residents who rely on farming for their livelihoods and also caused power outstages and water shortages.
The scale of the wildfires prompted Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Qatar to also send firefighters to help Syria control the fires, according to AP.
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Isha Jain
Isha Jain
Isha Jain
