Syrian Coast wildfires rage on for fifth consecutive day, calls for international aid

COASTAL REGION, Syria — For the fifth consecutive day, massive wildfires continue to devastate vast stretches of farmland and forests along Syria’s coast, with little progress in containment efforts despite help from Syrian, Turkish, and even Jordanian firefighting teams. Strong winds and dense vegetation have been cited as key factors fueling the flames. 

Amid the escalating environmental crisis, the Syrian government has formally requested firefighting assistance from the European Union. 

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) announced its readiness to deploy aid, warning of an ”environmental catastrophe” as fires consume critical ecosystems. In a statement, DAARNES’ Environment Authority emphasized that the wildfires, many of them arson, are not just an ecological disaster but a socioeconomic crisis rivaling the impact of Syria’s war. The fires have displaced communities from their villages, decimated biodiversity and natural habitats, as well as worsened climate and economic crises in a country already grappling with decade-long economic distress and instability.

The DAARNES Authority expressed solidarity with affected Syrians, mourning losses while pledging to mobilize all available resources to curb the fires and prevent further environmental collapse. It also urged international organizations and environmental agencies to intervene, stressing the urgent need for global cooperation to protect Syria’s forests and prevent future outbreaks.