Wildfires devastate over 100 km² of forest in Latakia, displacing thousands
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian authorities said on Monday that ongoing wildfires in Syria’s Latakia countryside have burned approximately 100 square kilometers of forest land—more than 3 percent of the country’s total forest cover.
The fires have severely impacted nearly 5,000 people, forcing the displacement of more than 1,120 residents from the villages of Beit Ayoush, al-Mazraa, al-Sabboura, and al-Basit due to extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure.
The al-Basit power station ceased operations after medium-voltage lines were damaged, cutting off electricity and halting water pumping in the region—further compounding the hardships of affected communities.
The fires also led to the deaths of livestock and the destruction of animal shelters, severely impacting local livelihoods that depend on farming and herding.
At least seven rural communities in northern Latakia have been evacuated as a precautionary measure to protect residents from the rapidly advancing flames.
Firefighting efforts have been hampered by additional hazards, including unexploded ordnance and landmines in the affected areas, posing serious risks to emergency personnel and obstructing access to several fire zones, according to the Syrian authorities.
The agency also highlighted that poor telecommunications coverage, outdated firefighting equipment, and the narrow, mountainous roads in the region are impeding swift and effective response efforts.
On Sunday, Syria’s Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, described the situation as “extremely catastrophic,” reporting that 10,000 hectares of forest in Latakia had been consumed by fire, leaving much of the landscape reduced to ash.
The fires have reached the Firnlaq Forest—one of the region’s most important natural reserves—located northeast of Latakia in the mountainous terrain near the Syrian-Turkish border. The forest spans over 5,000 hectares and is considered one of the last major natural woodlands in the Kasab region.