Emergency crews struggle with last wildfire pockets in Latakia

By Atoun Jan

LATAKIA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said on Saturday that firefighting crews are continuing operations to extinguish the last remaining wildfire hotspots in the mountainous valleys of Kasab, in the northern countryside of Latakia.

Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management in the Syrian Interim Government, stated that teams are focusing efforts in one of the most difficult areas of Kasab’s mountains and valleys. “We are combating the last hotspot of fire by extending water hoses over 1,650 meters to allow firefighters to control the flames and cool down the area to prevent any new ignition,” he said.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), al-Saleh noted, “This is the second time firefighting teams have resorted to this technique, after using it during previous wildfires in the Latakia countryside.”

Earlier the same day, the Civil Defense in Latakia reported that 80 percent of the fires had been brought under control. It added that teams still face difficulties in reaching some remote hotspots due to rugged terrain and dense forest areas.

Wildfires have periodically affected the Latakia region in recent years, threatening agricultural lands, forest reserves, and rural communities. Emergency services continue to deploy specialized teams and equipment to contain the spread, while local authorities maintain alerts in surrounding villages to ensure civilian safety.

According to officials, operations will continue until full containment of the remaining fires is achieved and all hotspots are cooled to prevent re-ignition.