Fires on Mount Nador in Tunisia turn forest cover to ashes

A fire broke out on July 22 on Mount Nador in Tunisia's Bizerte governorate, spreading from the Rafraf area to the mountain slopes over about 3.5 kilometers, destroying dozens of hectares of forest cover.
Local officials confirmed no human casualties, but environmental damage is severe, as the region lost its vegetation that gave it tourist appeal.
Houssem El Imam, a member of the local agriculture union, said reforestation would require at least two years of waiting, along with removing burned trees.
Winds and unstable weather contributed to the spread of flames, which reached seven meters high at night.
Civil protection, national guard, and army teams participated in extinguishing despite difficult terrain.
Residents fear sandy landslides in winter after vegetation loss and call for their involvement in prevention and reforestation plans.
Fires in Tunisia since May have destroyed about 4,400 hectares of forests.