Lebanon: Large fire reported in Port of Beirut on September 10

Event

A large fire broke out in the Port of Beirut on Thursday, September 10, a month after a devastating explosion at the port destroyed large areas of the city. The Lebanese military has stated that the fire started in a warehouse storing tires and oil. Military helicopters have been deployed to the scene in an effort to fight the fire. The situation is ongoing, with further details forthcoming.

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

Context

An explosion that occurred in the Port of Beirut on August 4 killed at least 157 people, injured 5000 others, and caused billions of Lebanese Pounds in damages. The blast is believed to have been caused by 2750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which had been unsafely stored in the area. A state of emergency was initially declared on August 5, and 20 officials responsible for the operation of the port have so far been placed under arrest.

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.