Qatana inspects the process of extinguishing and controlling the fires raging in the northern countryside of Lattakia

Latakia  (ST): The Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Engineer Muhammad Hassan Qatana, accompanied by the Governor of Lattakia, Engineer Amer Hilal, inspected the progress of the operations of extinguishing and controlling the fires that broke out in the northern countryside of Lattakia three days ago.

The minister’s meeting with the cadres of the Agriculture and Fire Department at the Kom al-Hatab Center in the village of Beit Halibiya focused on the spread of fires and the efforts exerted to contain them, in the light of the available capabilities and support that came from various governorates, and the increase in feeding tanks at the fire sites and the intensification of work in the most needed sites.

Minister Qatana stressed the provision of all supplies, equipment and mechanisms to support the cadres that work to the fullest extent and their capabilities to control the fires that broke out three days ago and devoured large areas of the Lattakia forest mountains, pointing to a number of factors that exacerbated the situation and increased the fires, most notably the intensity of the winds and the density of vegetation.

In statements to reporters, Qatana indicated that alternative plans are being prepared to contain the fire, taking into account the climatic conditions, terrain, and access to the site of the fire, referring to the need to increase the number of supply tanks, which will be brought in tomorrow, and to bring in more reinforcements, whether by aviation or firefighting aircraft.

In turn, the Governor of Lattakia, Eng. Amer Hilal, affirmed in a statement to reporters the continuation of efforts to contain the fires  that were renewed after the success of cordoning them off in three sectors this morning, indicating that the situation is still difficult due to the wind speed and the rugged terrain that impedes the arrival of vehicles and firefighters to some burning areas.

Hilal referred to the participation of engineering vehicles, including bulldozers and trucks belonging to the public sector and construction companies, in opening lines of fire and supporting the elements that are still working in the sites without stopping.

K.Q.