Lebanon is experiencing a heat wave originating from the Arabian Gulf, with temperatures expected to rise above seasonal averages, approaching 40 degrees Celsius in the Beqaa Valley. Despite environmental warnings, a fire broke out this morning in olive orchards and fallow lands in the town of Barqayel due to the significant increase in temperature. Civil defense centers in Barqayel, Baqerzla, and Banniin are working to contain the fire and prevent its spread.
The civil defense also extinguished a fire in the Al-Hikaliyah area in Koura, where a fire broke out in grass and fruit trees. The fire was put out by civil defense personnel at 05:20 today, July 12, 2023. Another fire erupted in Zouk Mosbeh, in piles of waste. Civil defense personnel extinguished this fire as well, which occurred at 07:20 today, July 12, 2023.
Additionally, a fire in Aley ignited grasses and trees, and civil defense is still attempting to extinguish it. The fire in Aley was reported at 06:00 today, July 12, 2023.
Other areas, such as Hadath and Naameh, have also been affected by fires. Lebanon is under the influence of hot, dry air masses from the Arabian Peninsula, leading to a noticeable increase in temperatures, especially in the south and inland areas starting today, with a further significant rise expected. There is a warning of a high risk of fires in wooded areas.
Temperatures are expected to rise even more tomorrow, reaching their peak on Friday, particularly in the mountains where they may approach 40 degrees Celsius, with increased humidity enhancing the feeling of intense heat. The Ministry of Environment has warned of an increased fire risk index in the coming days, especially starting tomorrow in most Lebanese regions. They emphasized the importance of everyone taking necessary precautions, being extremely cautious around any source of fire, and avoiding igniting fires in wooded areas for any reason.
Environment Minister Nasser Yassin stated via "Voice of Lebanon 100.5": "The risk and indicators of fires rise with increased temperatures, especially in mountainous areas this season, thus vigilance is required from citizens, civil defense, and the Lebanese army, along with municipalities and stakeholders involved in daily cleaning of forests and roads."
In this context, the fire observatory at Balamand University indicated that certain areas with vegetation cover, particularly in Akkar, Minieh, Dinniyeh, Batroun, Baabda, Metn, Shouf, Jezzine, Bint Jbeil, Nabatiyeh, and the interior regions of Beqaa, will face an increased fire risk index in the coming days. The observatory urged municipalities, forest centers, and nature reserve management to take all preventive measures to protect people and forests, and called on all citizens to remain vigilant and responsibly address the environment and public safety, reporting any smoke rising from forests or nearby areas by contacting the municipality or civil defense.