The Ministry of Environment requested, on Saturday, that maximum measures be taken to reduce the risk of fires, urging citizens to practice caution and not to set fires and report any fire outbreak early. A statement by the media office of Caretaker Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin, indicated that “Lebanon, like other countries in the region, is exposed to a hot and dry weather wave that may extend to the coming days, which further exacerbates the risk of fires breaking out in Lebanon’s forests and grassland and agricultural plains. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment highlights the urgent need to increase readiness and alertness towards the outbreak of fires…” Outlining the preventive measures that ought to be taken, the statement said: “We need joint cooperation from all official departments, non-governmental associations, local communities and individuals to protect our environment and prevent the outbreak of fires in Lebanon,” noting that early action and preparedness can help reduce the impacts of these extreme weather conditions as much as possible.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon