Calm has returned to Al-Asabi’a, a city in western Libya, after a series of mysterious fires destroyed at least 150 homes since February 19, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
The emergency committee in Al-Asabi’a reported that while the fires caused severe property damage, no human casualties were recorded.
Teams from various security and investigative bodies are still working to determine the cause of the fires. Officials stated that no further details will be released until investigations conclude and official reports are published.
The committee urged residents to cooperate with authorities and allow emergency teams to maintain smooth traffic flow and secure affected areas.
The fires were not confined to a single location, according to Libyan press reports.
Instead, they erupted across multiple neighborhoods, forcing some families to evacuate their homes in fear of further outbreaks.
In response to the crisis, the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbaiba, formed an emergency committee under the supervision of Minister of Local Governance Badr Al-Din Al-Toumi.
The committee is tasked with overseeing relief efforts and investigating the causes of the fires.
Additionally, Libya’s Attorney General, Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, assigned a special investigative team from the Public Prosecution Office and a scientific advisory committee specializing in fire analysis to examine the affected areas.
Authorities are considering all potential causes, including criminal activity, environmental factors, and accidental incidents.
The local emergency committee stated that it will not release any official conclusions until the findings are verified through scientific and forensic analysis. It also recommended bringing in international fire investigation experts to provide additional insights.
Al-Asabi’a is located in the Nafusa Mountains (Western Mountain region), 120 kilometers south of Tripoli.
Libya has struggled with infrastructure and emergency response challenges in recent years due to political instability, economic difficulties, and a fragmented security landscape. While accidental fires are common in rural areas, the scale and randomness of the Al-Asabi’a incidents have led many to speculate about possible foul play or external interference.
Authorities have promised a transparent investigation to reassure the public and ensure better disaster preparedness in the future.
