A series of unexplained fires have destroyed nearly 20 homes in Al-Asabi’a, a town in western Libya, leaving residents in shock and authorities scrambling for answers. The fires started two days ago, spreading through different neighborhoods without a clear cause.
Videos and images shared online show extensive damage, with entire homes reduced to rubble. While no casualties have been reported, the sudden outbreak has raised serious concerns.
Al-Asabi’a, located 120 kilometers southwest of Tripoli, is a small agricultural town known for its olive farms. Residents say they have never witnessed fires of this scale, leading to speculation about possible causes.
Mayor Imad Al-Maqtouf confirmed the destruction, calling the incident unusual and unexplained. He pointed to limited resources, saying the fires were battled with only one fire truck, forcing authorities to seek help from neighboring areas.
The Ministry of Interior has launched an urgent investigation, assigning the Criminal Investigation Department to uncover the cause. Firefighters and security teams from the National Safety Authority have also been deployed to assist in containing the situation.
The interim Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdul Hamid Dbiaba has called for immediate action, urging officials to visit the affected areas and provide relief. The National Oil Corporation has sent two fully equipped fire trucks to support local emergency teams.
Authorities have asked residents to report any suspicious activity, as experts consider electrical faults, arson, or environmental factors as possible causes. Many are also calling for a review of Libya’s weak emergency response system, which has struggled due to lack of funding.
