Syria’s massive wildfires brought under control after 10 days

Some of Syria's worst wildfires in years have been brought under control as of Sunday, according to the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, following days of grueling firefighting in the forested countryside of the coastal Latakia province.

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The blazes, which started IO days ago and swept through the heavily wooded area of several mountain ranges, were fanned by strong winds, scorching summer heat and unexploded ordnance left behind from the country’s 13-year civil war.

Firefighters faced hazardous conditions with support from aerial teams and engineering units working to open firebreaks in the dense terrain.

In a statement, the Civil Defense said the spread of the fire was halted on Sunday morning, following “extensive efforts by firefighting teams and both helicopter and glider aircraft.” Crews remain on the ground conducting cooling operations and monitoring the area to prevent new flareups, it added.