A total of 55 forest fires have broken out in Turkey in the past 24 hours, announced the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli, quoted by the Turkish state television TRT Haber, reports BTA.
The large outbreaks in four districts have already been brought under control, including the fire in the national park near the town of Banaz, in the Uşak district (Western Turkey). The fires in Gazipasa, Antalya district, and Kestel, Bursa district, are also under control.
However, one of the more serious fires is still burning - in the Harmancuk region, Bursa district. Authorities say the fire is being made difficult by strong winds and thick smoke.
The most worrying area at the moment is a fire in the Safranbolu area of Karabük district. The fire is just 7km from the city and is considered potentially dangerous.
Five aircraft, 30 helicopters and 855 fire engines are involved in the fight against the fire.