Multiple wildfires erupt across Türkiye
Firefighters respond do fire in Bergama, İzmir, on July 17. 2024 (Anadolu Images)
A series of wildfires broke out across multiple regions in Turkey on Wednesday, prompting immediate and extensive response efforts by local and regional authorities.
The first fire ignited at approximately 13:55 in a forested area of of Izmir. In response, the Izmir Forest Regional Directorate dispatched four planes, four helicopters, 12 fire trucks, four water supply vehicles, a bulldozer, and four ground crews to the scene. Crews worked diligently from both the air and the ground to bring the fire under control.
Bergama Wildfires
Shortly after the Belevi incident, another wildfire was reported in the Bergama district of Izmir. The fire, which broke out in the forested area of Cobanlar Mahallesi for reasons yet to be determined, saw a robust response. The Izmir Forest Regional Directorate sent six planes, five helicopters, 25 fire trucks, seven water supply vehicles, four bulldozers, and four ground crews to combat the blaze. Efforts to control the fire continue as teams work tirelessly.
Balikesir Fires
In Balikesir’s Altieylul district, a fire erupted in the forested areas of Taskoy and Tayyipler Mahallesi. Upon notification, teams from the Forest Regional Directorate and the Balikesir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department were dispatched to the site. Firefighting efforts from both the air and ground are ongoing.
Additionally, in Balikesir’s Kepsut district, flames engulfed a field in Secoren Mahallesi before spreading to the nearby forest. Prompted by alerts from local observers, teams from the Forest Regional Directorate and the Balikesir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department intervened. They successfully brought the fire under control with combined aerial and ground efforts.
Canakkale’s Ayvacik Fires
In Canakkale’s Ayvacik district, a wildfire broke out near the olive groves close to Camkoy village. The fire, fueled by strong winds, led to the destruction of an animal barn owned by Amir Karanfil.
Unfortunately, two livestock perished, and 600 bales of alfalfa were burned. The Canakkale Forest Regional Directorate deployed two planes, one helicopter, and ground teams to the area. The fire has since been brought under control, and cooling operations are ongoing.
Authorities across the affected regions are on high alert as firefighting teams work tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread. The cause of the fires in each location remains under investigation.
