Ongoing fires threaten Latakia countryside, neighboring homes

Fires have been raging for three days in several areas of Latakia countryside, as a massive fire broke out in Zenio village of Qardaha Mountains. Strong winds helped the flames spread rapidly, extending to the villages and towns of al-Qarama, al-Bahluliya, Ghamam and al-Rafia, making it nearly impossible to control. Moreover, another fire broke out in Tartiah village near Salma town, threatening homes and farms.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the thick smoke due to the fires led to suffocation among residents, and several people were transferred to intensive care after inhaling toxic smoke.

Despite local residents' attempts to control the fires using primitive means, the rugged terrain and dense vegetation limited the effectiveness of their efforts, raising fears that the fires could spread to populated areas and increase the extent of the destruction to property and infrastructure.

Plumes of smoke are spreading from the countryside to the city, and ash is covering large parts of the region, continually exacerbating the situation.

These fires embody the magnitude of the challenges facing residents in the absence of official authorities, underscoring the fragility of the security and logistical situation, particularly given the recurring outbreak of fires and the lack of an effective response to mitigate them.

J.J