New Lebanon forest fires threaten homes

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

AINAB, Lebanon (AFP) — More devastating forest fires hit Lebanese villages on Tuesday, putting dozens of houses at risk in the latest blazes to hit the country's dwindling green areas, officials said.

A Lebanese Civil Defence official told AFP that fires struck forests in Ainab, southeast of Beirut as well as Qartaba, northeast of Beirut.

"The fire is spreading though about 150 hectares (371 acres) of forest, though not all of them have been burned down," the official said, adding the Lebanese helicopters and a Cypriot plane were helping put out the fires.

"We expect to put out the fire within an hour in Ainab, but the one in Qartaba needs more time," he said.

Residents from the village of Ainab were assisting firefighters and the army in putting out...