Syrian authorities have evacuated residential areas in Latakia province due to severe wildfires that have continued to spread for days. The fires, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, are affecting large areas, especially along the coast.

Abdulkafi Kayyal, head of the Directorate of Disasters and Emergencies in Latakia, told state media SANA that flames near the Qastal Maaf region had approached several nearby villages. This prompted emergency evacuations to protect residents.

Smoke Spreads to Other Regions

According to Syria’s civil defence, thick smoke from the fires has already reached far beyond the initial burn zones. They warned that smoke had spread to northern coastal mountains, Hama city, its surrounding areas, and southern Idlib.

“Our teams recorded losses in the orchards due to the widespread spread of the forest fire in several areas of the Latakia countryside,” the civil defence said. They also urged the public to report anyone suspected of intentionally setting fires.

Firefighting Made Difficult by War and Weather

Efforts to control the blaze have been severely hampered. Kayyal noted that strong winds are fueling the fire’s spread. Additionally, mines and unexploded ordnance left from years of war are putting firefighters and rescue teams at risk.

Syria’s Minister of Emergency Situations, Raed al-Saleh, addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “We will exert our utmost efforts to combat these fires.”

Climate Crisis Deepens Syria’s Struggles

Climate change is also playing a major role. Syria has been hit by repeated heatwaves and a lack of rainfall, making forests more vulnerable to wildfires. The situation is worsening, according to global experts.

In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned AFP that Syria was facing its worst climate conditions in 60 years. The organization predicted that over 16 million Syrians could face food insecurity due to the drought.

A Country Still Recovering From War

On top of the environmental crisis, Syria is still dealing with the aftermath of over a decade-long civil war, which ended with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December. The conflict left much of the country's infrastructure damaged and its population vulnerable.

Today, as wildfires rage and rescue teams struggle against natural and man-made dangers, Syria is again confronting a growing humanitarian emergency.