Environment

Massive Forest Fire Rages in Afrin’s Shiye Region, Containment Efforts Ongoing

Wildfire rages in Afrin's highlands as firefighters battle rugged terrain and equipment shortages. Local volunteers contain 90% of flames, but urgent aid is needed to prevent further devastation in Syria's vulnerable forests.

wildfire burning through a forested mountain in Afrin region on Jul. 23, 2025. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
wildfire burning through a forested mountain in Afrin region on Jul. 23, 2025. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Western Kurdistan Afrin Wildfires

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A large-scale wildfire has engulfed the forested highlands of Afrin’s Shiye district, with firefighting efforts continuing amid harsh conditions and limited resources. The fire, which broke out in the Altî mountains on Monday evening, has proven difficult to contain due to the area’s rugged terrain and a shortage of critical firefighting equipment.

Local sources confirmed to Kurdistan24, that the fire began around 7:00 p.m. in the Altî mountain area, situated between the villages of Trmisha and Erndê in Afrin’s Shiye region Northwestern Syria (Western Kurdistan). The blaze rapidly spread through the dense forest, and by Thursday morning, flames were still active across large parts of the landscape.

Challenging Conditions Hinder Suppression

Teams from civil defense units, volunteers, and residents of the region have joined forces in efforts to contain the wildfire. However, their progress has been severely impeded by the mountainous geography and the fragile condition of the surrounding environment. The lack of sufficient tools, water tanks, and equipment has further complicated the firefighting operation, making access to the blaze difficult and the suppression effort hazardous.

Collective Mobilization Amid Resource Gaps

Despite the logistical and operational challenges, civil defense units, with the support of local residents and volunteer teams, initiated a rapid response to try to halt the fire’s advance..

Thanks to these collective efforts, approximately 90% of the fire had been brought under control. Work continues to extinguish the remaining active zones and to secure the surrounding areas from the risk of further spread.

Call for Immediate Logistical Support

Authorities and local leaders have issued an urgent appeal for logistical aid to help bring the situation fully under control. They warned that without immediate reinforcement, the fire could expand further and pose a greater threat to both the environment and nearby communities.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of forested regions in times of conflict and climate-induced strain, where both institutional capacity and environmental resilience remain under pressure.

 
 
Ahora Qadi ,
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