Massive wildfires have engulfed Syria’s coastal mountain region of Jabal Turkman since late last week, destroying thousands of hectares of forest and presenting a major challenge to the country’s emergency services. The blazes, fueled by high winds and prolonged drought, have overwhelmed local firefighting efforts and displaced thousands of residents.
The fires began spreading rapidly across the mountainous Latakia countryside, aided by dry conditions and rough terrain that have made it difficult for fire crews to reach many affected areas. In addition to the natural obstacles, the presence of unexploded landmines from years of conflict has further complicated containment efforts.
Covering a stretch of nearly 20 kilometers, the fires have cut off roads, disrupted power supply, and forced entire communities to flee. Homes and farmland have been lost, and thick smoke has blanketed parts of the region, further hampering visibility and rescue operations. Drone footage has revealed flames racing through forested slopes, occasionally flaring with renewed intensity as they consume the brittle vegetation.
The wildfires come at a precarious time for the country, as its newly installed government grapples with rebuilding efforts following more than a decade of conflict and widespread economic sanctions. Many areas remain without adequate infrastructure, and the ability to respond to large-scale emergencies such as this remains limited. Local civil defense authorities have described the situation as one of the most difficult they’ve faced, noting that reinforcements have been dispatched from various provinces to support the overwhelmed fire crews.
Despite mobilizing over 60 firefighting units, the fires have continued to expand and have now spread into neighboring Tartous province. Access to some areas remains restricted due to ongoing fire activity and dangerous conditions on the ground. The region’s rugged topography and poor road networks have slowed the movement of both emergency personnel and equipment.
In response to the escalating disaster, Syrian authorities have issued appeals for international assistance. Several neighboring countries have responded to the call, with Turkey providing helicopters and firefighting vehicles to assist with aerial containment, and Jordan dispatching civil defense teams across the border to join the efforts.
The crisis has highlighted both the environmental vulnerabilities facing the region and the long-term consequences of war on the country’s emergency response capabilities. As fires continue to burn, many displaced families remain uncertain about the fate of their homes and livelihoods. Authorities are urging residents in at-risk areas to evacuate as a precaution, while aerial and ground teams work around the clock to halt the fire’s advance.
With no immediate relief from weather conditions in sight, and the terrain continuing to hinder efforts, the next few days are likely to be critical in determining the extent of the damage and whether the fires can be brought under control. The government has indicated that long-term plans will be needed to restore affected areas and prevent future disasters of this scale.
