11.7.2025

FCA allocates 30,000 EUR to support those affected by the wildfires in Syria

Finn Church Aid (FCA) has allocated 30,000 euros from the organisation’s disaster fund to support families and individuals affected by the devastating wildfires in the coastal regions of Syria. The funds will support 100 displaced households with multi-cash assistance to meet immediate needs and support early recovery.  

Massive wildfires have swept through the coastal region of Syria, around Latakia, since the 30th of June, displacing at least 9,500 individuals. The fires have also affected over 10,000 hectares, with around 3 per cent of Syria’s total forest cover reduced to ash. 

A fire rages on a hill in a dark landscape.
The fires have displaced over 9,500 people and destroyed 180 square kilometers of forest cover. Photo: HANDOUT / Syria Civil Defence / White Helmets

“What we are witnessing in Latakia is not just a wildfire, it’s an environmental and humanitarian disaster. Forests and farmland have been destroyed. Springs have dried up, ecosystems collapsed, and entire families displaced, losing both their homes and livelihoods. The long-term impact on climate and biodiversity is alarming,” says Mazen Khzouz, FCA Country Director in Syria.  

Widespread evacuations have been taking place in the most affected areas such as Beit Ayoush, Al-Mazra’a, Saboura, and Al-Basit. 

A man climbing on a still smoking hill with burnt trees around him.
The distaster response has been difficult,because of harsh terrain and explosives left behind after the prolonged conflict in Syria. Photo: HANDOUT / Syria Civil Defense / White Helmets

The UN and regional partners like Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon have been assisting Syria with fighting the fires. However, it has proved extremely difficult due to harsh winds, rugged terrain and the legacy of the conflict in Syria, with unexploded ordnances making it dangerous to fight the fires. 

FCA gives cash assistance to affected households and individuals

FCA and other humanitarian aid organisations are trying to respond to the most urgent need. The 30,000 euro grant FCA has allocated from its disaster fund will be used to support 100 displaced households – around 500 individuals – to meet their basic needs. 

The households and individuals will receive multi-purpose cash assistance of 300 US dollars in three monthly instalments of 100 US dollars to enable them to acquire priority needs like food, shelter materials and medical expenses, depending on needs. 

“With the grant provided, we hope to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of some displaced households. We also aspire, in the future, to play a role in supporting the restoration of the environment and damaged ecosystems,” says Mazen Khzouz.