Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — Severe wildfires have swept through Iraq, Algeria, Lebanon, Syria, and Morocco in August 2025, destroying forests, farmland, and homes while forcing evacuations amid a persistent heatwave.

In Iraq, a massive fire erupted on Sunday, 17 August in Halabja province in the northern Kurdish region. The blaze destroyed over 5,000 dunams (about 1,235 acres) of forests, orchards, and pastures, killed two residents, and forced local beekeepers and livestock breeders to evacuate. Strong winds hindered firefighting efforts, but local civil defense teams worked tirelessly to contain the flames affecting six villages.

In Algeria, 18 wildfires broke out across several provinces in mid-August, including seven in Bejaia. Some fires were extinguished while others remained active as of 22 August. The army deployed aircraft and ground equipment to support firefighting efforts, and authorities banned camping and barbecues in forests until October to reduce fire risks.

Lebanon faced 74 wildfires within 24 hours on 20 August, affecting forests, grasslands, fruit trees, homes, and waste sites, according to the Civil Defense.

In Syria, firefighters contained a forest fire in northern Latakia in mid-August despite strong winds and difficult terrain, continuing monitoring to prevent re-ignition. Earlier, in July, wildfires in Latakia destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of forests, 2,200 hectares of farmland, and affected 45 villages.

In Morocco, a wildfire broke out in Taounate province on Monday, 18 August, spreading from forests to nearby farmland. Firefighting teams, local authorities, volunteers, and gendarmes collaborated to control the flames, as authorities had warned residents of potential fires during extreme heat reaching 46°C (114°F).

This year, several Arab countries have been particularly affected by wildfires, driven by extreme heat, drought, dense forests, and strong winds. Authorities across the region continue emergency efforts to limit damage and protect lives and property.