Environment Authority clarifies ongoing wildfire response at reserve in Jabal Shams

Muscat: The Environment Authority (EA) has issued a clarification regarding a wildfire incident within the Al Hajar Al Gharbi Starlight Reserve at Jabal Shams.

Acting in coordination with the Royal Oman Police and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, the Environment Authority has been closely monitoring the situation. Specialised teams responded promptly upon receiving the initial report, successfully containing the fire and extinguishing remaining hotspots. Preliminary assessments indicate the blaze was likely triggered by a lightning strike, with no indication of human involvement.

However, on Monday evening, a fire re-ignited at a separate location across a wider area. Royal Oman Police aviation units promptly commenced aerial firefighting operations, which remain ongoing alongside monitoring by the Environment Authority's field teams.

The Authority continues to oversee the response and will conduct a comprehensive survey once the fire is fully extinguished to ensure no active hotspots remain, evaluate the environmental impact, and implement necessary measures to protect the site and its local vegetation.