Article

Responding to wildfires in Syria’s coastal region

Working with partners to deliver urgent support for every child

By Hasan Burhan
UNICEF staff are on site during the response to the ongoing wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025, observing the large-scale damage caused to the land by the fires.
UNICEF/UNI829348/Abd Deep
13 July 2025

Rural Lattakia Governorate – In July 2025, widespread and devastating wildfires swept through rural areas of Lattakia Governorate, extending into Tartous, Hama, and Idleb. Triggered by extreme heat, drought, and high winds, the fires rapidly consumed forested and agricultural lands, disrupting lives and damaging critical infrastructure. The response has been severely challenged by rugged terrain, limited water access, and the presence of unexploded ordnance.

UNICEF Syria/2025

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Thousands of people have been affected. Dozens of communities are now facing power cuts, water shortages, and strained health services. Livelihoods, particularly farming and herding, have suffered significant losses.

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A photo of the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 during the UNICEF’s response to the ongoing wildfires. A photo of the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 during the UNICEF’s response to the ongoing wildfires.
UNICEF/UNI829347/Abd Deep A photo of the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 during the UNICEF’s response to the ongoing wildfires.
UNICEF staff support Civil Defence teams during UNICEF’s response to the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025. UNICEF staff support Civil Defence teams during UNICEF’s response to the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025.
UNICEF/UNI829344/Abd Deep UNICEF staff support Civil Defence teams during UNICEF’s response to the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025.
UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires. UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
UNICEF/UNI829345/Abd Deep UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
A water truck branded with a UNICEF flag carries water to support Civil Defence teams in extinguishing wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires. A water truck branded with a UNICEF flag carries water to support Civil Defence teams in extinguishing wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
UNICEF/UNI829357/Abd Deep A water truck branded with a UNICEF flag carries water to support Civil Defence teams in extinguishing wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
Civil Defence vehicles work to extinguish wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025. Civil Defence vehicles work to extinguish wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025.
UNICEF/UNI829351/Abd Deep Civil Defence vehicles work to extinguish wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025.
UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires. UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
UNICEF/UNI829355/Abd Deep UNICEF staff are on site during Civil Defence operations in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025 as part of the response to the ongoing wildfires.
A truck loaded with furniture and other belongings leaves an area affected by the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025. A boy and a girl holding the Syrian flag sit in the back of the truck. A truck loaded with furniture and other belongings leaves an area affected by the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025. A boy and a girl holding the Syrian flag sit in the back of the truck.
UNICEF/UNI829359/Abd Deep A truck loaded with furniture and other belongings leaves an area affected by the wildfires in rural Lattakia, Syria, on 8 July 2025. A boy and a girl holding the Syrian flag sit in the back of the truck.

UNICEF is working closely with local authorities and partners to meet urgent needs. Water trucks are deployed to support fire containment efforts, alongside the delivery of diesel fuel. Health and nutrition teams are providing life-saving care, while child protection teams are offering psychological first aid, psychosocial support, and safe spaces for children.

UNICEF Syria/2025

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