Türkiye deploys 583 hours of air operations, 7,662 tons of water to combat raging wildfires
Burning areas in Izmir were photographed from the air, Izmir, Türkiye, August 17, 2024 (AA Photo)
About 583 hours of aerial operations have been conducted, including 2,134 sorties and the dropping of 7,662 tons of water on wildfires in Bolu, Aydin, Izmir, Manisa and Mugla over the past two days, the Presidential Communications Directorate said Saturday.
The statement emphasized that efforts to combat the fires are ongoing, involving both aerial and ground interventions.
Firefighting operations are supported by forestry services, municipalities, police, AFAD, and gendarmerie personnel.
In its statement regarding the fires, AFAD made the following statements:
In the last week, 131 agricultural and forest fires occurred across the country. Within the framework of Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP), our relevant institutions responded to the fires from the first moment by air and land. In the regions where the fires have been brought under control, damage assessment activities are being carried out rapidly by the Disaster Group. In order to prevent possible loss of life, our citizens living in settlements close to the fires are evacuated to safe areas.
AFAD
