Turkey: Major Wildfires Rage – Critical Situation

Turkey continues to battle four major wildfires, including the blaze in Bursa, a significant industrial center, according to Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli.

In addition to Bursa, fires have also broken out in the Karabuk region, near the tourist town of Safranbolu, and in the Karamanmaras region.

The minister stated that five fires have been brought under control, but winds are hindering firefighters' efforts. Turkey is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C, reaching 50.5°C in Silopi.

Nineteen villages were evacuated in the Safranbolu area, and over 3,500 people were evacuated from Bursa. One firefighter died of a heart attack, and three were killed in a traffic accident. Ten forest rangers and volunteers lost their lives in the Eskisehir forest on Wednesday.

Authorities warn that the situation will remain critical until October. The heatwave and drought have led to more than 3,000 fires since the beginning of summer, according to President Tayyip Erdogan. A UN study shows that 88% of Turkey's land is exposed to the risk of desertification.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ