Wildfires sweep through forests in drought-hit Syrian coast in major test for new government

Massive wildfires have swept through Syria’s coastal mountain region of Jabal Turkman since Thursday, torching thousands of hectares of forest and overwhelming emergency services. The fires continue to spread rapidly, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.

Abdel Kafi Kayyal, director of civil defense in Lattakia province, said the fire’s intensity is unlike anything they've seen. “This fire is extremely difficult,” he told CNN on Saturday. “The wind, terrain, and landmines are all working against us.”

Emergency crews face dangerous conditions as they attempt to contain the flames in a region scarred by over a decade of civil war. Landmines left behind in the forested hills are a constant threat, making firefighting efforts even more dangerous.

The fires span over 20 kilometers (12 miles), cutting roads, destroying homes, and displacing thousands. Parts of the region now face power outages as flames knock out infrastructure. Drone footage released Saturday showed fire racing across rugged hills, flaring up as it consumed dry woodland.

More than 60 firefighting units are on the ground, but their efforts are not enough. The fires have now reached Tartous province, spreading despite reinforcements. Syria’s government has asked for international help. Turkey responded with two helicopters and 11 fire trucks. Jordanian civil defense teams crossed the border on Sunday to assist Syrian crews.

Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) shows the burned area now exceeds 180 square kilometers. This is larger than Damascus, Syria’s capital city.

According to 2023 government figures, Syria has around 5,270 square kilometers of forest cover. That means the fires destroyed over 3% of the country’s total forested land in just three days.

This disaster comes as Syria struggles to rebuild after more than 13 years of war and economic sanctions. Much of the country still lacks basic services. Recovery has been slow, and natural disasters like this wildfire add more pressure to an already fragile system.

Environmental experts say the damage will last for years. Forests in the Latakia region play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and stabilizing the climate. Their destruction could lead to increased soil erosion, reduced rainfall, and more frequent wildfires in the future.

The fires also come amid a severe drought that has plagued Syria for years. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reported in 2023 that the Euphrates Basin, especially in the desert regions of southern and eastern Syria, has suffered from low rainfall and high temperatures for four consecutive years.

The report noted that climate change has intensified weather extremes in the region. As drought dries out the landscape, forests become more vulnerable to fire. The situation in Syria reflects a broader trend across the Middle East, where heatwaves and water scarcity are becoming more common.

Kayyal said crews are doing everything they can but need more help. “We have firefighters from all over Syria, but the fire moves faster than we can reach it,” he said.

International aid remains limited. Sanctions and political isolation have made it difficult for Syria to receive large-scale help from Western countries. Still, neighboring countries are stepping in to assist. Aid workers on the ground say more support is urgently needed to stop the fire’s spread and begin recovery efforts.

As smoke continues to billow across Syria’s coastline, officials warn that the worst may not be over. Weather forecasts predict continued dry conditions, making it likely the fires will burn for days.

For many Syrians, the fire is another painful chapter in a long period of hardship. Rebuilding the forests and homes will take time—and more help than the country can muster on its own.

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