UN and neighbouring countries assist Syria as wildfires spread in Latakia
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Firefighting efforts continue in Syria’s Latakia region
The Associated Press has reported that wildfires in Syria’s northwestern Latakia province have forced hundreds of families to evacuate and destroyed large areas of agricultural and forest land.
According to United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, the fires have also damaged vital infrastructure.
The United Nations has deployed teams to affected areas to carry out emergency assessments and identify priority humanitarian needs.
Syria’s state news agency SANA stated that firefighting crews from Turkey and Jordan have joined Syrian civil defence operations, using helicopters in their response.
Efforts are ongoing to protect the al-Frunloq natural reserve, which contains dense, interconnected forest areas.
Regional coordination supports response to fires
SANA reported that teams from Turkey and Jordan are actively supporting Syrian civil defence personnel.
The Syrian Civil Defense said firefighting operations are attempting to contain the flames and prevent spread into ecologically sensitive areas.
Emergency aircraft from neighbouring countries are being used to combat the fires, especially in areas where ground access is limited.
The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said that large sections of forest have already been lost.
Minister Raed al-Saleh stated on social media that an estimated 10,000 hectares have been burned.
Environmental impact and security concerns
In his public statement, Raed al-Saleh said: “We regret and mourn every tree that burned, which was a source of fresh air for us.”
The Syrian Civil Defense has also raised concerns about unexploded ordnance left over from the country’s civil war being present in some areas affected by fire.
Officials said this poses a risk to both firefighters and civilians.
The presence of such ordnance complicates access and can delay suppression operations.
Additional safety protocols have been introduced for responders in affected zones.
UN begins damage assessments
Adam Abdelmoula said: “U.N. teams are conducting urgent assessments to determine the scale of the disaster and to identify the most immediate humanitarian needs.”
The UN’s response follows calls from Syrian authorities to support both evacuation efforts and post-fire relief.
Teams are gathering information on displaced families, damage to infrastructure, and areas requiring urgent medical or logistical support.
The United Nations noted that access to affected zones remains difficult due to the scale of the fires and damage to roads.
Further updates will follow as assessments are completed and humanitarian aid is distributed.
Climatic factors increase fire risk in Syria
The Associated Press noted that summer wildfires are frequent in the eastern Mediterranean.
Experts have warned that climate change is contributing to hotter, drier conditions in the region.
Syrian authorities reported that below-average rainfall during the winter has worsened drought conditions this summer.
Local communities are facing drinking water shortages due to dried-up springs and rivers.
Combined with high temperatures, these conditions have increased the speed and reach of wildfires in the region.
UN and neighbouring countries assist Syria as wildfires spread in Latakia: Summary
Wildfires in Syria’s Latakia province have led to mass evacuations.
The UN has deployed teams to assess damage and humanitarian needs.
Syria’s Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said 10,000 hectares have been burned.
The Syrian Civil Defense reported the destruction of forest areas and infrastructure.
Turkey and Jordan have sent helicopters to support firefighting efforts.
The al-Frunloq nature reserve remains at risk.
The presence of unexploded ordnance complicates suppression operations.
Climate conditions and low rainfall have worsened fire risks.
SANA and AP reported extensive damage to agricultural land.
Water shortages are affecting nearby communities.
UN Coordinator Adam Abdelmoula confirmed field teams are gathering data.
Emergency support continues from national and regional authorities.