A major fire broke out at a Lebanon Ministry of Telecommunications warehouse in Beirut, producing thick black smoke and a strong smell of burning plastic. Lebanese Civil Defence said crews brought the blaze under control; two firefighters were injured. Security sources said the warehouse held fibre-optic cables, prompting local speculation about theft, sabotage or possible militia links. Authorities say there is no verified evidence of criminal or militant involvement and an investigation is ongoing.
Major Fire Erupts at Beirut Telecoms Warehouse — Two Firefighters Injured, Cause Unclear
FILE PHOTO - Clouds hover over Beirut southern suburb after an Israeli strike targeted an alleged pro-Iranian Hezbollah site. (is associated with: «Major fire hits telecom ministry warehouse in Beirut») Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A large fire broke out on Tuesday at a warehouse belonging to Lebanon's Ministry of Telecommunications in Beirut, sending tall flames and dense black smoke into the sky, witnesses said.
The smell of burning plastic lingered over the neighbourhood as firefighting teams worked to control the blaze. Officials said the cause of the fire was not immediately known and that an investigation is underway.
Lebanese Civil Defence later reported that crews had brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to adjacent buildings. Two firefighters were injured while battling the flames and were treated for their injuries.
Security sources told reporters the facility stored large quantities of fibre-optic cables. That detail sparked local speculation, with some witnesses and social media posts suggesting possible theft or deliberate sabotage.
Speculation and Official Response
Some reports also floated a possible link to Hezbollah — a Tehran-backed group that has been reported to use fibre-optic-guided drones in recent cross-border incidents — but authorities have not confirmed any connection. There is currently no verified evidence to support claims of theft, sabotage or militant involvement.
Investigators at the scene continue to examine the site and interview witnesses. Officials urged residents to avoid the area while cleanup and forensic work proceed.
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