The media office of Minister of Environment in the caretaker government, Nasser Yassin, announced that "Lebanon, like other countries in the region, is experiencing a wave of hot and dry weather that may extend in the coming days, exacerbating the risk of wildfires in Lebanon's forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands." It emphasized, in a statement, the "urgent need to increase readiness and alertness against potential fire outbreaks," highlighting the following:
1. Requesting all local authorities, natural reserve committees, and forest centers to take maximum measures to reduce the risk of fires and to prohibit the use of any fire sources in agricultural lands, forests, and grasslands. This includes the prohibition of fireworks and strict measures to prevent the use of any fire source.
2. Urging citizens not to use any fire source at all under these harsh conditions, including camping and lighting fires outdoors. We must be very cautious and avoid any actions that may lead to fire outbreaks.
3. Requesting local disaster management committees to secure an adequate water supply in advance to confront any fire incidents, as water plays a crucial role in extinguishing and controlling fires before they cause significant damage.
4. Early reporting of any fire outbreak by monitoring and surveillance groups in the areas, as well as by residents or relevant authorities. Early reporting of fires is vital for controlling and extinguishing them before they spread and cause a disaster.
The office affirmed, "We need joint cooperation from everyone, including official departments, NGOs, local communities, and individuals, to protect our environment and prevent fires in Lebanon. Let us be cautious and follow these guidelines carefully," noting that "we may face challenges, but early action and preparedness can help mitigate the impacts of these severe weather conditions as much as possible."
