Two large forest fires are raging in Turkey - one in the Denizli district (southern Turkey), and the other on the border between the Karabük and Kastamonu districts in the northern part of the country, Anadolu Agency reports, BTA reports.
A large forest fire that broke out in the afternoon of August 29 in the area of the town of Buharkent in the Denizli district continues to rage today. According to the head of the Turkish Forestry Directorate, Bekir Karacabey, over 2,000 firefighters and volunteers and over 560 fire trucks and machines are involved in extinguishing the fire, which is spreading due to strong winds in the area. 20 helicopters and one plane are assisting by air.
As a precautionary measure, two settlements near the fire were evacuated yesterday, and teams from the Turkish Red Crescent and the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) were sent to the scene to provide assistance to those affected.
A large forest fire has been raging since yesterday in the area of the town of Eflani in the Karabük district, with the flames spreading to the neighboring Kastamonu district. According to local authorities, 9 helicopters, over 500 firefighters and a large number of construction machinery, bulldozers and fire trucks are involved in extinguishing the fire. As a precautionary measure, nearly 500 people from six settlements in the area have been evacuated.
Meanwhile, five foreign citizens who were carrying out logging activities in the area have been detained in connection with the fire. According to an investigation by the Turkish prosecutor's office, the fire was caused by the tent the men were sleeping in. After initial detention, four of them were placed under judicial control, while one was released.