Dangerous wildfire burns in north Lebanon

DORA, Lebanon, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Officials in Dora, Lebanon, said a lack of paved roads has hampered efforts to contain a wildfire that threatened to engulf an entire valley Saturday.

The blaze broke out Friday night and had damaged olive and almond groves on the outskirts of the northern city.

Khaled Sahmarani, head of the municipal government in Dora said fire crews were having difficulty getting their vehicles close to the blaze, and there were concerns the flames could spread.

The (Beirut) Daily Star said Civil Defense firefighters were doing their best and using water from nearby towns to keep the blaze in check.