Syrian Civil Defense teams have responded to a total of 10,791 fires across the country since the start of 2026, according to figures compiled from reports by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). The agency warned that rising temperatures and the ongoing harvest season continue to drive fire risks, while emergency crews also handled hundreds of road accidents during the same period.
Breakdown of Fire Incidents
Between January 1 and June 19, the Civil Defense responded to 8,821 fires. An additional 1,970 fires were reported between June 21 and July 6. Of the total fires recorded this year, 1,362 occurred in agricultural fields and crop lands, while the remaining 9,429 involved residential homes, commercial premises, dry vegetation, grasslands, trees, forests, garbage sites, and electrical wiring.
The Civil Defense stated that agricultural fires have increased alongside higher temperatures and the harvest season. Authorities have repeatedly appealed to residents to avoid lighting fires near farmland and forests, safely dispose of cigarette butts and glass containers, and remove dry vegetation without burning it.
Fire Prevention Campaign Launched
The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management launched the “Your Awareness Is Your Action” campaign on May 14 to promote fire prevention measures aimed at protecting crops as well as public and private property. The campaign underscores the government’s efforts to mitigate fire risks during the high-risk summer months.
Peak Fire Days and Casualties
Emergency teams continued to respond to heavy daily caseloads. The largest number of fire incidents was reported on June 30, when firefighters dealt with 265 fires. Other high-volume days included June 24 (250 fires), June 28 (225 fires), June 25 (217 fires), June 23 (212 fires), July 1 (187 fires), June 21 (181 fires), June 22 (176 fires), July 6 (154 fires), and July 5 (62 fires).
While most incidents resulted in property damage, several caused casualties. Fires during the period claimed three lives and injured 22 people, including firefighters, according to Civil Defense reports. Many of the blazes occurred in residential buildings, commercial shops, electrical installations, and areas of dry vegetation, highlighting the heightened fire danger during the summer.
Although the Civil Defense repeatedly referred to fires involving trees and forests, it did not publish a separate tally for forest fires.
Road Accidents Add to Emergency Burden
Road accidents also remained a significant burden for emergency responders. Between June 21 and July 6, Civil Defense teams responded to 180 traffic accidents, in which six people were killed and 162 others injured. Rescue crews provided first aid, transported the wounded to hospitals, secured accident sites, and cleared roads to restore traffic flow.
The Civil Defense has repeatedly urged motorists to slow down, inspect the technical condition of their vehicles, avoid using mobile phones while driving, and exercise greater caution, particularly during the busy summer travel period.
Outlook for Coming Weeks
Officials warned that the combination of hot, dry weather and ongoing harvesting operations is expected to keep fire risks elevated in the coming weeks. They called on the public to follow safety guidelines to help prevent further outbreaks.
