Latakia, Hama fires spread into Homs countryside on four day

The fires have been ravaging vast areas of forests and woodlands in the Latakia and Hama countrysides, with major challenges hindering control efforts.

The most dangerous blaze is currently in the vicinity of Naour Jourin village in western Hama countryside, where rugged mountainous terrain and strong winds have intensified the situation.

According to local sources in Hama, active hotspots are now concentrated in the villages of Nahr al-Bared, Shatha, and Jourin, where intensive efforts are underway to prevent the flames from reaching nearby areas.

New fires also reached the forests surrounding Marmarita town in western Homs countryside today, raising concerns over the possible spread of flames to neighboring villages.

A series of fires first broke out on the night of August 12 in several locations across western Hama countryside. Since the beginning of the month, Latakia province has also witnessed large wildfires affecting Kessab,Mountains of the Kurds (Jabal al-Akrad), and al-Haffa, which caused significant damage to forest cover and in some cases reached homes and farmland.

It is worth noting that similar wildfires struck Latakia’s mountains last July, lasting 12 consecutive days and consuming more than 16,000 hectares of forested land, including about 2,200 hectares of farmland. Forty-five villages were affected, with nearly 1,200 families impacted, according to official estimates.

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ANHA