Beirut: A major wildfire broke out on Sunday afternoon in the forests of Ain Jarfa, in Lebanon's Hasbaya District, burning vast areas of woodland and dry vegetation amid fears it could spread to nearby farmland and residential areas.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Civil Defense teams, supported by volunteers and local residents, are continuing efforts to contain the blaze. Firefighting operations have been complicated by strong winds and the rugged terrain, allowing the fire to spread across a wider area.
Residents have issued urgent appeals for government intervention. The mayor of Ain Jarfa called on the Lebanese Army to deploy military helicopters to assist in extinguishing the fire, warning that the blaze threatens neighboring villages, agricultural land, and populated areas. He also urged all relevant authorities to take immediate action to prevent an environmental and humanitarian disaster.
Later, National News Agency correspondent reported that the mayor was hospitalized after suffering smoke inhalation while overseeing the firefighting efforts and monitoring the response to the wildfire.