Syria declares Latakia wildfires extinguished, warns of lasting ecological damage

Syria has declared the devastating wildfires in Latakia province fully extinguished after 12 days of fierce battling. However, officials caution that the environmental and social impacts will persist for years.

Raed al-Saleh, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, stressed that while the immediate danger has passed, the recovery phase is only beginning. He outlined plans to implement a national wildfire early warning system and enhance forest protection through stronger community involvement.

Firefighters faced major obstacles including unpredictable winds, difficult mountainous terrain, and dangerous remnants of war such as landmines. Years of neglect left forests vulnerable, with insufficient firebreaks contributing to the spread.

Al-Saleh warned of severe long-term consequences, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, and increased risk of landslides — risks worsened by ongoing drought and climate change, the worst in decades.

The ministry used advanced tools such as satellite imaging, drones, and weather monitoring stations to track fire behaviour and direct response efforts. Al-Saleh expressed gratitude to support teams from Türkiye, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar, as well as local volunteers and government agencies, calling their cooperation “an historic achievement for the nation.”

Governor Mohammad Othman reported that more than 16,000 hectares of forest were destroyed, alongside 2,200 hectares of farmland.

The fires damaged 45 villages and displaced approximately 1,200 families.

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