Syria Battles Surge in Fires as Heat and Harvest Raise Risks
DAMASCUS- Syria’s Civil Defense has responded to 10,791 fire incidents nationwide since the beginning of 2026, authorities said, as rising temperatures and the harvest season fueled an increase in agricultural blazes while emergency teams also continued to handle a high number of road accidents.
Data released through the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) showed that Civil Defense units, operating under the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, responded to 8,821 fires between Jan. 1 and June 19 and a further 1,970 incidents between June 21 and July 6.
According to the official figures, 1,362 of the fires occurred in agricultural fields and cropland, while the remaining 9,429 involved residential buildings, commercial properties, dry vegetation, grasslands, trees, forests, garbage sites and electrical installations.
The Civil Defense said the combination of higher summer temperatures and harvesting activities had contributed to the increase in agricultural fires. Authorities urged residents to avoid lighting fires near farmland and forests, dispose of cigarette butts and glass containers safely, and clear dry vegetation without burning it.
To reduce fire risks, the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management launched its “Your Awareness Is Your Action” campaign on May 14, encouraging preventive measures aimed at protecting crops as well as public and private property during the harvest season.
Firefighters continued to face a heavy operational workload throughout the reporting period. June 30 recorded the highest daily number of incidents, with crews responding to 265 fires. Other particularly busy days included June 24 with 250 incidents, June 28 with 225, June 25 with 217 and June 23 with 212 fires.
Civil Defense teams also responded to 187 fires on July 1, 181 on June 21, 176 on June 22, 154 on July 6 and 62 on July 5, according to official records.
While most incidents caused property damage, several resulted in casualties. Civil Defense figures showed that fires during the reporting period claimed three lives and injured 22 people, including emergency responders.
Official reports indicated that many of the fires broke out in homes, commercial premises, electrical infrastructure and areas of dry vegetation, highlighting the increased risk during the summer months. The Civil Defense did not release a separate breakdown of forest fires.
Road accidents remained another major challenge for emergency services.
Between June 21 and July 6, Civil Defense teams responded to 180 traffic accidents across the country. The crashes killed six people and injured 162 others, with rescue personnel providing first aid, transporting victims to hospitals, securing accident scenes and clearing roads to restore traffic flow.
The Civil Defense has repeatedly urged motorists to reduce speed, ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound, avoid using mobile phones while driving and exercise additional caution during the busy summer travel period.
Officials warned that hot, dry weather combined with ongoing harvesting operations is likely to keep the risk of fires elevated in the coming weeks, calling on the public to follow fire prevention guidance to reduce the likelihood of further outbreaks.
