The fire was spotted Friday morning between the northern towns of Qobeyyate and Akkar al-Aatiqa, and is suspected to be a case of arson carried out by timber and coal companies, the source said.

The Civil Defense Force contained the fire but called on army helicopters to to fight the fire in inaccessible valleys.

Numerous blazes have raged this summer, destroying coniferous, cedar and olive trees.

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