Huge Bush Fire in Baabda District Threatens Houses

A bush fire driven by hot winds in the Baabda district forced the evacuation of residents and students on Monday as firefighters struggled to control the blaze.

The fire, which started at around 8:00 am in Betshay, sent smoke billowing into Baabda's sky.

It came amid hot weather and strong winds blowing on Lebanon. Temperatures were as high as 31 degrees Celsius in the early morning.

The army later issued a statement, saying that it was combating the blaze along with the help of Civil Defense teams.

Their efforts were also bolstered by four army helicopters that were attempting to douse the flames.

Units from Beirut later joined the firefighters in the area to assist them to battle the blaze which spread to forests in Baabda and Louaize.

One of the parking lots near Baabda Palace was evacuated as a precautionary measure and College Notre Dame de Jamhour students were sent home after the fire approached it.

The state-run National News Agency said some people were evacuated in Betshay after the fire neared their houses.

The army advised the residents to leave their homes to avoid smoke inhalation.

Head of Civil Defense Brigadier General Raymond Khattar said: “We are using all our capabilities to battle the blaze, which was partly contained.”

Environment Minister Mohammed al-Mashnouq urged municipalities and civil defense units to exert all efforts to douse the blaze.

“Any delay by citizens to inform (authorities) about a fire would threaten houses and bushes in Lebanon,” he said in a statement.

The blaze comes ahead of the hotter summer months when fires most frequently break out.

G.K.

D.A.