Türkiye battles forest fires in four provinces

Türkiye is currently battling forest fires in four provinces: Canakkale, Bolu, Izmir, and Manisa. In Canakkale’s Eceabat district, a fire broke out near the village of Buyukanafarta, leading to the closure of the 57th Regiment Memorial and Conkbayiri in the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, stated that there is no risk to residential areas and that necessary precautions have been taken. “Thankfully, the fire was contained before reaching the 57th Regiment Memorial. No structures were damaged at Conkbayiri. Our efforts will continue through the night, but everything is going well so far. I hope to share even better news tomorrow morning,” he said.

In Bolu’s Goynuk district, a forest fire broke out in the Bekirfakilar area, with smoke reaching the city center of Eskisehir. Preparations are underway in Eskisehir for logistical support and fuel supply for aerial firefighting efforts.

On the other hand, it was decided to evacuate Ayvatlar neighbourhood in Yenikoy and Bekirfakılar village and Seferler neighbourhood in Caylak village for precautionary purposes due to the fire.

In the statement made on the social media account of the governorate, it was stated that extinguishing efforts continue uninterruptedly, ‘Due to a fire that spread in a short time with the effect of the wind, 281 citizens were evacuated for precautionary purposes. There is no loss of life as a result of the fire,’ as per statements by officials.

In Izmir’s Karsiyaka district, a fire started for unknown reasons in the Yamanlar Karatepe area. The Izmir Forest Regional Directorate dispatched 13 fire trucks, 3 water tankers, 2 bulldozers, and 3 ground crews to the scene.

In Manisa’s Gordes district, a fire began at 14:35 near Boyali Mahallesi, also for unknown reasons. The Izmir Forest Regional Directorate sent 2 planes, 3 helicopters, 8 fire trucks, 2 water tankers, 1 bulldozer, and 1 ground crew to the area.

In addition, while the intervention to the fire in the Boyali district continued, forest fires broke out in the Kayacik and Kasiki districts as well.

Minister Yumakli emphasized that the next three days are extremely risky due to low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds. He has issued warnings to all provincial authorities.

Finally, Minister Yumakli expressed his hope to announce the successful containment of the fires as soon as possible.