Turkey: Forest fire destroys over 1,200 acres of land

IZMIR, Turkey

Forest fires have consumed some 500 hectares (over 1,200 acres) of land in Izmir, Turkey’s Aegean coast, an official said on Monday.

On Sunday, the fires broke out in four different regions -- including two in the southwestern Mugla province and others in Izmir province, according to Agriculture and Forest Ministry.

Speaking to reporters in Izmir, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said that the fire in Karabaglar district of Izmir has so far destroyed some 500 hectares of forestland and firefighters are still battling to contain the fire.

The fire in Urla, Izmir was almost contained and the cooling work was underway, Pakdemirli said.

He added that fires in Bodrum and Milas districts of Mugla were widely extinguished with the efforts of a 1,500-strong team.

A total of 24 helicopters, 280 water tankers and 35 bulldozers were battling the flames, he added.

Some villages in the region were evacuated and four houses were partly destroyed due to the flames, Pakdemirli said.

The official stressed that Turkey is among the best countries in firefighting, but it still needs to raise public awareness on the issue.

“Fires generally break out due to negligence and carelessness,” he said, and underlined the harm caused in the wildlife, vegetation and the loss of trees.

No casualties have been reported yet.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar