Latakia: Large fires have erupted in the Kasab area of northern Latakia countryside, Syria, stretching from the village of Al-Shajara to the Kasab border crossing, consuming extensive forest areas on both sides of the main road.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Director of the Civil Defense in Latakia, Abdul Kafi Kayyal, reported that Civil Defense teams, in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, are engaged in intensive efforts to contain the fires and prevent their spread to populated areas. However, the challenging terrain, crown fires, dense tree cover, and strong winds have facilitated the rapid spread of the fire, complicating control efforts.

Kayal noted new fire outbreaks have occurred beyond Kasab towards the Naba’in and Badrusiya roads, areas that experienced fires about a month ago. He stressed that “work is continuing around the clock to prevent the spread of the fires.”

In a related development, Civil Defense teams are addressing another fire in the Ara and Kafrta areas of Jabal al-Akrad, with over six teams working to prevent its spread. Efforts are ongoing to cool previous fires in Deir Mama, al-Yamdiyah, al-Ghab, and Anab, with full mobilization of all relevant personnel.

Kayal explained the increasing field challenges due to rugged terrain, strong winds, and the presence of mines, along with the distance from water sources. These factors necessitate the transportation of water in tankers to supply fire trucks, hindering rapid fire control.

In July, Latakia Governorate experienced a series of large-scale fires in mountainous and forested areas in the north, resulting in significant losses of vegetation and agricultural lands and directly threatening residential areas.