REPORT: Raging blaze re-erupts, scorching Lebanese forestland in Akkar

 
Fires scorching through acres of forests and orchards in Lebanon’s Akkar region re-erupted Wednesday after efforts to put out the blaze were cut short Tuesday overnight.             

The fire which is affecting several areas in and throughout Akkar, specifically the Sfirreh area is being described as the worst in Lebanon’s recent history.            

Head of the Sfirreh municipality Hussein Harmouch called on the Lebanese Armed Forces to help in extinguishing the fires since the flames are now approaching residential areas. He added that several residents have fled their homes for fears of suffocation or even burning.          
Some even took it upon themselves to personally put out the fire including the al-Danniyeh forest resources officer Mahmoud Shawk who was slightly wounded and transferred to the nearest hospital for treatment.             

Harmouch also stated that he was commissioned by the town’s residents to file a lawsuit against an unknown since many suspect that the fire was the work of arsonists.              
It is worth noting that Lebanese Armed Forces’ Units along with members form the Civil Defense, are using helicopters to extinguish the fire that erupted on Tuesday in the following towns: Al-Msharfeh, Sharoun, Haret Saida, Sarba, Maghdouche, Beit Yahoun, Jdeita, Btormaz, and Al-Qorneh al-Sawda.                   

The fires have damaged dunums of orchards and farmlands as well as forest sites. It broke out in the hills of Akroum in Lebanon’s northeastern region of Akkar spreading to Wadi Khaled as temperatures rose and winds accelerated.  As for the estimated damage, they were put at 260 dunums of land.


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