Major wildfire engulfs pine forests in Ayn Jarfa, threatens farmland and homes

A major wildfire erupted in the forested areas of Ayn Jarfa, a village in the Hasbaya District, destroying wide swaths of trees and dry vegetation. Local authorities expressed concern that the blaze could spread to nearby farmland and residential neighborhoods.

Emergency response under strain

Civil Defense teams continue firefighting operations with support from volunteers and local residents. The fire’s expanding perimeter and challenging terrain—compounded by strong winds—have hindered containment efforts.

Villagers issued urgent appeals to relevant state institutions for immediate intervention. Ayn Jarfa’s mayor, addressing Army Commander Rudolf Khel, formally requested urgent assistance and deployment of army helicopters to help extinguish the large-scale fire burning in the village’s forested zones.

Mayor hospitalized after smoke inhalation

In his appeal, the mayor warned that “continued burning poses a threat of extension to neighboring villages, as well as to agricultural lands and residential areas,” and called on all concerned authorities to act immediately to avert an environmental and humanitarian disaster.

Later, the National News Agency reported that Ayn Jarfa’s mayor was admitted to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation while monitoring the forest fire and overseeing firefighting operations on site.