NNA – The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI), has issued safety guidelines to help cope with the ongoing severe heatwave and reduce the risk of wildfires, as high temperatures are expected to persist until mid-August.
The ministry explained that these precautionary measures aim to protect citizens and farmers, safeguard property and agricultural areas, and minimize the risk of fires in forested and agricultural regions. The move is part of efforts to promote environmental protection, raise public awareness, and strengthen coordination among relevant authorities.
As weather forecasts point to temperatures remaining above seasonal averages, reaching 40°C in the Bekaa Valley and 35°C along the coast, with nighttime temperatures also expected to remain elevated, reaching 30°C in the Bekaa, the risk of fires rises to critical levels the ministry continued to indicate.
In its issued guidelines, the Agriculture Ministry made the following recommendations:
-For citizens: staying hydrated, wearing protective hats and sunglasses, using sunscreen, avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and not leaving children or flammable items such as lighters inside vehicles exposed to heat.
-Avoiding mobile phone use while refueling, checking household electrical connections, staying in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and taking precautions with food storage during high temperatures.
-Drivers are advised to monitor vehicle water and oil levels, avoid excessive braking on mountain roads, and refrain from throwing cigarette butts in natural areas to prevent fires.
-For farmers: avoiding the use of fertilizers and pesticides during the heatwave, maintaining regular irrigation where water is available, cooling greenhouses and poultry farms, and refraining from burning grass or other materials without strict supervision.
-For authorities and emergency teams: regularly clearing dry grass along roadsides, ensuring fires from outdoor activities are fully extinguished, preparing water tanks and firefighting equipment, reporting smoke or early signs of fires, and ensuring rapid response teams are ready for emergencies.
The Agriculture Ministry also called on municipalities to provide water tankers equipped with pumps to regularly spray roads and public areas to help reduce temperatures and support fire prevention efforts.
The Ministry urged citizens, farmers, and authorities to strictly follow the guidelines to protect lives and property and limit the potential damage caused by the extreme weather conditions.
