Aydın’s Bozdoğan district, where a forest fire continues, was examined by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı. Speaking to journalists at the crisis center near the Ormepınar District, Yumaklı reminded that in his previous statement he mentioned 6 active fires:
“One of these, the Muğla Milas fire, has been brought under control, thank God. Currently, we have 5 active fires. In İzmir Karşıyaka Yamanlar, 3 planes and 14 helicopters are stuck in a valley with the fire. Transportation is a bit difficult there. We are expecting our colleagues to intervene and extinguish in this area by reducing the pressure with planes and helicopters.”
Yumaklı stated that 8 planes and 14 helicopters intervened in the fire in Bozdoğan district of Aydın, and said the following:
“One of these planes is the Be-200 heavy-class fire fighting aircraft that we brought to Turkey in the past weeks. We directed it here. Currently, the north line we see behind us is close to the Alhisar village, which is the starting point of the fire. Unfortunately, there is a fire that started in rural areas and spread to the forest. Though not certain, we think that unfortunately we have reached the current situation as a result of carelessness.”
Yumaklı stated that the wind was very strong yesterday in the region, but has decreased slightly today and that teams are working intensively at 2 points in the north and south. He emphasized that there are very productive forests in the south, saying that it will be much more challenging for them. Yumaklı mentioned that Güre, Hışımlar, and Malküpü neighborhoods were evacuated. Three houses in Hışımlar and two houses in Örmepınar were damaged. He also mentioned that 10 staff members and 59 citizens were affected by the smoke, but there is no health risk for them.
Yumaklı also addressed the fires in other regions, sharing the following information:
“Currently, intervention is continuing in Bolu Göynük, Karabük Ovacık, and Manisa Gördes. Their energies have been decreased there as well. A really serious struggle is being carried out. Tonight, our colleagues are tirelessly intervening in these fires to finish them greatly. If a new fire does not break out at the moment, I hope and wish that we will have good news about these fires in the near future.”
Yumaklı mentioned that the most challenging issue for them is the meteorological conditions, reminding that the General Directorate of Meteorology has warned about very high winds, low humidity, and temperature starting from this week until next Sunday. He requested all citizens especially not to even light a match in open areas, not to throw cigarette butts out of their vehicles, not to light a picnic fire, and not to cause any situation that may cause a fire, and asked for cooperation to prevent fires.
