Saudi Arabia forest fire: Ethiopians blamed for starting blaze after dispute

Riyadh - The culprits have since been arrested and referred to the authorities for legal action.

Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense on Thursday extinguished a fire in the Al Azizah Mountains in Alsouda Heights near Abha, the administrative capital of Asir Region.

According to the Saudi Civil Defense’s Twitter account, the firefighters controlled the fire and prevented it from spreading despite the rugged terrain in which the fire erupted.

Lt. Col. Mohammad Al Hammadi, Civil Defense spokesman, told Arab News that firefighters made great efforts to reach the area where the blaze had spread using state-of-the-art equipment to contain the fire.

“No one was injured, thanks to the swift action of the firefighters who helped protect the vegetation of this area. The firefighters are working now to cool down the area and combing down the area to ensure the fire has been controlled and contained,” he said.

According to an Interior Ministry spokesman on Wednesday, as reported by Arab News, the suspects were Ethiopian nationals who set fire to the area following a dispute and fled. They have since been arrested and referred to the authorities for legal action.

• Saudi Arabia