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Situation Overview
Massive wildfires have raged across Latakia Governorate for seven consecutive days, with Syrian authorities calling the situation “catastrophic” and “a real environmental disaster.” Ignited on 30 June 2025, the fires have devastated forests, farmland, and several rural communities, prompting urgent evacuations and a growing multinational response.1 High temperatures, wind speeds exceeding 60 km/h, and a prolonged, severe drought have all contributed to the intensity and rapid spread of the wildfires.
Urgent needs include temporary shelter, clean drinking water, emergency food supplies, hygiene kits, medical kits, respiratory support, and psychosocial support for displaced populations.
Current Situation
• Over 10 000 hectares (25 000 acres) across at least 28 locations in Latakia Governorate.
• Approximately 100 km² (40 mi²) of woodland “turned to ash,” representing more than 3 percent of Syria’s total forest cover.
• Approximately 5,000 individuals affected, with over 1,120 displaced from villages like Beit Ayoush,
Al-Mazra’a, Saboura, and Al-Basit.5
• Children, elderly, and individuals with respiratory illnesses are at greater risk due to heavy smoke spreading to Hama city, rural Hama, and southern Idlib.6
• Al-Basit power station forced offline due to fire damage to medium-voltage lines, causing power outages and water pumping disruptions.7
• Fires have led to the death of livestock and destruction of shelters for animals
• At least seven northern-rural communities have been cleared as a precaution.
• Power lines and electricity substations have been hit, causing outages; major roads, including the international highway to Turkiye, remain closed or affected.
• Dense smoke has spread over Latakia, Hama, and southern Idlib, with health advisories issued for vulnerable groups.
• Rugged mountains, high winds, and temperatures above 40 °C make aerial and ground firefighting challenging and unpredictable.
• Unexploded ordnance and landmines from the civil war have detonated in fire zones, endangering crews and delaying access.
• Outdated firefighting equipment, spotty telecom coverage, and narrow mountain roads hinder rapid response and coordination.