For the third consecutive day, Syria is struggling to contain forest fires in its coastal Latakia province, as fierce winds, extreme heat, and difficult terrain continue to fuel the blaze. Turkish firefighting teams have now joined the emergency response, bringing aircraft and fire trucks to support Syria’s overstretched civil defence units.
Fires Spread as Residents Flee
The fires, centered around the Qastal Maaf region near the Turkish border, have forced residents to flee their homes. Many left with only what they could carry. On Friday, authorities evacuated several residential areas to protect lives as flames crept closer to inhabited zones.
An AFP correspondent at the scene described how strong winds were pushing the fires rapidly across forest and farmland. Helicopters bearing Turkish flags were spotted flying over the area, dropping water and supporting firefighters on the ground.
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Turkey Provides Cross-Border Assistance
On Saturday morning, Syria’s Ministry for Emergencies confirmed that Turkish aid had officially arrived. The support includes two aircraft and eight fire trucks, sent under a regional coordination mechanism. Turkey itself has recently faced wildfires near the border, which has added urgency to its cooperation with Syrian teams.
Syria’s civil defence reported that at least one volunteer firefighter suffered from smoke inhalation, and a service vehicle caught fire during operations. Over 60 firefighting teams, including civil defence units and local volunteers, are working across Latakia province.
Harsh Terrain and War Remnants Challenge Efforts
The government warned that steep mountain terrain and unexploded war remnants—left over from over a decade of conflict—are slowing progress. However High temperatures and dry conditions have only made matters worse.
Syria remains vulnerable due to both its war-torn infrastructure and increasing climate pressures. In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation warned that Syria hadn’t experienced such extreme climate conditions in six decades. The mix of heatwaves, drought, and instability is proving dangerous.
As the fires continue, officials stress that more international help may be required if conditions don’t improve.
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