Syria: Wildfires burning in Latakia, Homs, and Tartous provinces October 10

Event

Firefighters are tackling widespread wildfires in the provinces of Latakia, Homs, and Tartous on Saturday, October 10. A number of fires broke out across coastal and central areas on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9, and many remain out of control. Two people reportedly died as a result of fires in the towns of Balloran and Dafil in Latakia province on Friday, and a number of others have been admitted to hospital due to smoke inhalation. The Syrian government has declared a state of alert and deployed additional civil protection and military personnel to aid the firefighting efforts. Homes are still under threat in several areas, including Wadi Qandil in Latakia province and al-Barqiya in Safita district (Tartous province). The fires have been fanned by dry and windy conditions, which are forecast to continue over the coming days.

Further spread of the fires is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fires are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders.