Statement from Minister Yumaklı on forest fires

During the fire, the temperature rose above 33 degrees. This was only measured by thermometer; the temperature felt by the fire was much higher. Winds exceeded 67 kilometers per hour, and we know that this speed can reach 100 kilometers with gusts. Humidity dropped below 20 percent.

'OVER 2,700 PERSONNEL RESPONDED TO THE FIRE'

The fire in Hatay was fought by over 2,700 personnel in total, including 8 planes, 12 helicopters, water tenders belonging to the forestry organization and vehicles from other institutions. Our citizens living in the Oğlakören, Dikmece, Gülderen, Karaali, Üçgedik and Alahan neighborhoods were evacuated to safe areas as a precaution. In this context, over 1,400 citizens from 236 households were evacuated. As of today, they have gradually started to return to their homes. The energy in the region has been reduced. This is a positive development. Our teams will continue cooling efforts throughout the night. During this process, small fires may occur from time to time, but they will be kept under control," he said.

GAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SITUATION OF FIRES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Minister Yumaklı, who also provided information about forest fires across the country, said: "As a reminder; fires were continuing in İzmir Menderes, İzmir Seferihisar, Manisa Akhisar, Manisa Kula, Manisa Ahmetli and Hatay Antakya. However, unfortunately, three new fires broke out during the day after this statement: İzmir Buca, Bilecik Bezirhan and Manisa Saruhanlı. Now, I would like to share the current status of these fires with you. Of the fires in İzmir, the fires in Menderes and Seferihisar were partially brought under control. The fire in Buca was completely extinguished. The first intervention was made at 12.21 to the fire that broke out in Buca Zafer Neighborhood at 12.09 and was completely brought under control. 6 planes, 24 helicopters, over 300 vehicles and construction equipment and over 1200 personnel took part in these three fires across İzmir. The fires in Akhisar, Kula and Saruhanlı in Manisa were partially put out. Cooling efforts will continue throughout the night. No risk is expected for now. 13 planes, 29 helicopters, over 435 vehicles and over 1500 personnel worked in these regions. The fire that broke out at 13.39 in the Bezirhan town of Bilecik was first intervened at 13.50. The energy of the fire, which was intervened with 4 helicopters and ground elements, was reduced. No problem is expected here for now either. İzmir Buca was taken under control. İzmir Menderes, Seferihisar, Manisa Akhisar, Kula, Saruhanlı are partially under control, cooling continues. Hatay Antakya, Manisa Ahmetli, Bilecik Bezirhan; ​​their energy was reduced, no risk is foreseen. Today is the 5th day of the fires. I would like to call on our citizens again. Let's definitely not light fires in open areas. Let's not leave any materials that can cause fires in nature. Let's not forget that materials such as glass bottles and metal cans left under the sun can start fires. Our country is fighting forest fires internationally competent. We are in the field with 25 thousand personnel and 131 thousand volunteers. I proudly express this power. We are effective in this fight thanks to the coordination of our institutions, the support of our volunteer citizens and the cooperation established with local governments. We want to appear in front of these screens again not with 'fire, smoke, damaged forests' but with 'green homeland development projects'. With these feelings, I would like to express my gratitude to all institutions, our personnel and our citizens who support us. I wish a speedy recovery to all provinces affected by the fire and hope to share better news with you tomorrow."

DHA, AA