Summer of 2023 was marked by an early start to the wildfire season in Lebanon as intense forest fires ravaged several parts of the country, with fires erupting including in the Akkar and North governorates on a near-daily basis.
Government and community-based organizations responded quickly, joining forces to combat the flames, and often managing to limit the damage and avoid casualties despite the odds being stacked against them. “We do this with limited funds gathered from friends who share our love for this land,” says Khaled Taleb of the Akkar Trail Association, one of the community firefighting groups. “We have protected thousands of hectares using two locally equipped vehicles. With more support, we could avoid further tragedy and losses.”