Syria Battles Worst Wildfires in Years Amid Drought Crisis
Wildfires Ravage Drought-Stricken Syrian Coast, Testing New Government’s Capabilities
Massive wildfires have swept across Syria’s coastal mountain region, Jabal Turkman, since Thursday, posing one of the most significant environmental and humanitarian challenges for the country’s newly formed government. The fires, intensified by years of drought, have already consumed vast tracts of forest land and displaced thousands.
Fires Spread Rapidly Through Jabal Turkman and Tartous
The wildfires, fueled by strong winds and extremely dry conditions, ignited in the rugged mountainous terrain of Jabal Turkman in Lattakia province. The flames quickly spread across more than 20 kilometers (12 miles), crossing into Tartous province despite extensive firefighting efforts.
Abdel Kafi Kayyal, director of civil defense in Lattakia, confirmed that over 60 firefighting units have been deployed, but their work has been severely hindered by the geography and the hidden danger of landmines leftover from Syria’s prolonged civil war. Roads have been cut off, some villages are left without electricity, and thick smoke continues to threaten nearby residential areas.
Thousands Flee as Syria Appeals for International Aid
Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, often with little notice, as flames advanced across forests and hillsides. Many have sought shelter in nearby towns, while some remain unaccounted for in remote areas.
The Syrian government has issued urgent calls for international assistance. Turkey responded swiftly, sending two firefighting helicopters and 11 specialized vehicles. Jordan followed by dispatching civil defense teams, which crossed the border on Sunday to support the containment efforts. More international aid may be necessary if the situation worsens in the coming days.
Drone footage has captured dramatic images of fire lines burning unchecked through valleys and forests, illustrating the scale and intensity of the destruction.
Environmental Damage and Drought Deepen Crisis
The environmental impact of the wildfires is staggering. Satellite data from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) shows that over 180 square kilometers of forest have already burned—an area larger than the city of Damascus.
This accounts for more than 3% of Syria’s total forest cover, estimated at around 5,270 square kilometers according to government figures from 2023. With more fires expected due to ongoing heat and drought conditions, that percentage could rise significantly in the coming weeks.
The region is also experiencing one of the worst droughts in its history. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace reported in 2024 that Syria’s Euphrates Basin has seen consistently low rainfall and high temperatures for the past four years. Agriculture has been devastated, and water shortages are affecting millions across the south and east of the country.
These climate challenges have added pressure to Syria’s new leadership, which has vowed to rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure after years of war and international sanctions. However, with basic public services already under strain, this natural disaster presents a major test of their capability and credibility.
What’s Next for Syria?
As of Monday, firefighting teams continue to work around the clock to contain the blazes, but experts warn that unless weather conditions change, containment could take several more days. Officials are now also considering aerial interventions, including more water-bombing helicopters and drones, to manage remote flare-ups.
Environmental experts are calling on the government to develop long-term strategies for wildfire prevention and climate resilience, as the region becomes increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, aid groups are beginning to mobilize emergency relief for displaced families, although access remains limited in some mountainous areas. The situation is being closely monitored by neighboring countries and humanitarian organizations.
Wildfires sweep through forests in drought-hit Syrian coast in major test for new government
