Wildfires sweep through southwestern Libya, threaten homes in Alawenat

Widespread wildfires have engulfed the Alawenat Oasis in southwestern Libya, with flames spreading into residential areas and causing panic among local communities, according to state media.

The fires broke out on Saturday amid soaring temperatures and quickly grew out of control due to a lack of firefighting resources. Libya’s state news agency, LANA, reported that the blaze began in agricultural lands before reaching nearby homes.

“There are no specialist fire crews on the ground,” the agency said. “Residents are using sewage trucks in a desperate attempt to contain the flames.”

Saleh Sawsam, head of the local youth council, appealed to security and military forces for immediate intervention, warning of an "imminent disaster" if help does not arrive.

“The city is facing critical conditions,” Sawsam said. “Every minute that passes leads to more destruction.”

Southern and western Libya often face seasonal fires during the summer months, worsened by extreme heat and limited emergency infrastructure. A similar fire tore through palm forests in the southeastern town of Rebiana in March.

Copied