Fire destroys ancient trees in private nature reserve

A fire raged for 48 hours in a privately-run nature reserve in Afka on October 21, destroying up to 30,000 trees in a 3 km area.

Environmentalists were particularly concerned over the loss of juniper trees aged 400-to 500 years and found only in Lebanon and Turkey.

Paul Ariss, who rents the land from the Cermanos and Khazen families, said he believed heat and wind sparked the fire. Some environmentalists disagreed. "I would like to cut off the hands of the person that did this," said one.

Ariss said the fire was fanned by strong winds on the mountain "It was out of control," he said. The Civil Defense sent 12 trucks to assist, but they were inadequately equipped.

"It was devastating," said Ariss. "We definitely need a plane in these situations." The whisky makers J&B plan to donate a fire-fighting plane in May, he said.