2025-08-15T13:40:35+00:00
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Shafaq News – Latakia / Hama / Damascus (updated 20:45)
Civilian injuries and widespread damage continue to mount across western Syria as wildfires rage through forested and agricultural areas of Latakia and Hama provinces.
The Syrian Civil Defence confirmed on Friday that more than 70 teams — including 50 municipal firefighting crews and 20 forestry units — are working to contain the fires, supported by army helicopters, heavy machinery, and local volunteers.
In western Hama’s Sahl al-Ghab region, dozens of civilians sustained burns and smoke inhalation injuries and were rushed to al-Suqaylabiyah Hospital, according to medical sources. The fires have damaged numerous homes and orchards in the villages of Anab, Abu Kleifoun, Mardash, and others, with flames reaching dangerously close to residential areas overnight. Firefighters say that the intense heat, strong winds, and rugged terrain are significantly complicating containment efforts, particularly in mountainous zones riddled with unexploded ordnance.
Civil Defence Director Munir Mustafa noted that terrain difficulties and wartime remnants are making many fire zones nearly inaccessible. “We are focusing first on preventing the spread to populated areas,” he said, adding that several operations rooms have been established to coordinate efforts across affected governorates.
أعمال متواصلة على مدار الساعة، لإخماد الحرائق الحراجية المندلعة في عدة محاور بريفي حماة واللاذقية، ومنع توسعها مع اشتداد سرعة الرياح. الفيديو من عمليات رجال الإطفاء في الغابات المحيطة لمدينة كسب بريف اللاذقية، اليوم الجمعة 15 آب. #الدفاع_المدني_السوري #سوريا #اللاذقية #حرائق… pic.twitter.com/u7rvB3mkMo
— الدفاع المدني السوري (@SyriaCivilDefe) August 15, 2025
Active fire fronts remain in Latakia’s countryside, particularly in Bab Jannah in Slanfah, Deir Mama near al-Haffah, and the highlands of Jabal al-Akrad. In the Kessab area, multiple ignition points have been reported near Nabain, al-Shajara, and Tallat al-Nisr.
In Hama, fire teams are battling on three major axes: In the Anab area, flames have reached the forests of Shathah and burned homes, around Ain al-Kroum, Abu Kleifoun, and Tahounat al-Halawa, partial containment has been achieved, and along the road to Beit Yashout, efforts continue to isolate scattered hotspots in inaccessible forested zones.
Meanwhile, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria announced it has begun deploying firefighting teams to the coastal governorates in a gesture of support. The administration said firefighting crews from across its regions were en route to Latakia and Hama to aid in the emergency.
Foza Yousef, senior figure in the Democratic Union Party and co-chair of the Syrian Northeast Negotiation Commission, confirmed the move on social media and stressed the need for unity in confronting the fires. “We must also investigate the causes and hold those responsible accountable,” she added, describing the fires as a “crime.”
The Qamishli Fire Department stated that its crews are on alert and ready to assist the people of Kessab and surrounding areas. Civilian cooperation continues to play a critical role in firefighting operations as new blazes erupt, with residents forming lines to contain the fires with limited tools.
These new flare-ups come less than a month after similar wildfires devastated parts of the Syrian coast. As of today, officials are still assessing total damages while issuing warnings of possible renewed outbreaks amid record heat and dry winds.
