52 Hectares Of Forest Destroyed In Marmaris Fire

A forest fire that started at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday was finally brought under control after about 14 hours and after having destroyed 52 hectares of forest in Muğla province.

According to the Cihan news agency, the fire spread over 600 hectares, forcing the evacuation of three villages in the area. Four helicopters, 62 water tankers, 37 fire engines, 10 first responder teams, firefighter teams and about 306 forestry workers struggled to put out the fire. The Prime Ministry's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) also gave support to teams. The fire could not be brought under control for 14 hours because of strong winds.

According to reports, a gas cylinder caught fire in a house in Marmaris' Beldibi neighborhood, which is close to the forest. A man apparently threw the burning cylinder off his balcony into the forest. The cylinder then exploded, setting trees alight.

Muğla Vice Governor Fethi Özdemir, Deputy Director General of Forestry Zeki Temur, Muğla Regional Forestry Director Mustafa Kara and Marmaris District Governor Celalettin Yüksel went to the scene of the fire on Sunday. Özdemir stated: “There have been no deaths reported, but we have 18 citizens who have been affected by smoke and thankfully they are not in critical condition.”

According to Muğla's regional forestry director, Kara, “firefighting teams responded promptly.” He added that “helicopters could not continue after dark because it is very dangerous. But, just after sunrise the next day, teams began working again and brought the fire under control. We are still continuing to cool down the area.” Claims that the fire teams responded late are groundless, he said.

(Cihan/Today's Zaman)