Tunisia-Ezzeddine Taghouti: all fires contained

All fires that broke out in different regions of the country have been put out, said Director of Forest Conservation at the General Directorate of Forests (DGF) Ezzeddine Taghouti.

Fifteen fires were recorded on Wednesday, the most important of which were in Jebal Bririm El-Bayada in Tabarka, Jendouba governorate, Jebal el-Msid in Nefza, Beja governorate, Zaouit Nakach in Nabeul (40 hectares) and Jabbes in Ariana, Taghouti told TAP on Thursday.

The DGF, the civil protection and the National Army all took part in firefighting efforts, while rainfall played an important role, especially in Ariana. The DGF is currently determining the areas destroyed by the fires, the same source said.

Over 90% of the fires are due to human activities, some of which are the result of negligence, while others are arsons, he pointed out, referring to those in Ain Drahem “where forests are set on fire by some people in order to install their constructions.”

Weather and climate factors such as high temperatures, sirocco winds and drought play a determining role in the spread of the fire, especially since Tunisian forests have an inflammable vegetation cover, the same source added.

Tunisia saw 88 fires on nearly 3,000 ha from June 1 to July 26, according to data provided by the civil protection.

(TAP)