30.06.2025 22:51
While the forest fire in Seferihisar, İzmir has been ongoing for hours, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı shared the latest situation. Minister Yumaklı stated that strong winds are making it difficult for the teams, saying, "We have brought four more fires under control, while seven fires are still ongoing."
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With the arrival of summer, forest fires have once again erupted across Turkey. While teams have been intervening from the air and on the ground for days, the latest status of the extinguishing efforts was shared by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı.
THERE ARE 7 ONGOING FOREST FIRES
Minister Yumaklı stated in a press conference at the İzmir Regional Directorate of Forestry: "Unfortunately, the strong winds are challenging us. 4 fires have been brought under control, and there are 7 ongoing forest fires. 5 villages have been evacuated."
ANOTHER NEIGHBORHOOD HAS BEEN EVACUATED DUE TO THE FIRE
The fire that started yesterday in the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts continues to be effective on its second day. The fire, which jumped to residential areas due to the strong winds, turned dozens of summer houses to ashes yesterday. This evening, flames approached the houses in Doğanbey Atatürk Neighborhood. Residents of the neighborhood, who were warned by AFAD and gendarmerie teams through announcements and whistles, panicked and left their homes.
"WE HAD GOTTEN USED TO THIS PLACE"
Necati Karaçalı, one of the citizens who evacuated his home, said, "We are sad, very sad. We had gotten used to this place. The teams asked us to evacuate, they said to clear out, and now we are clearing the houses." Citizens getting into their vehicles formed a convoy at the neighborhood exit. Gendarmerie teams and neighborhood residents ensured safe passage. Meanwhile, gendarmerie teams also rescued animals left in the houses.
10 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED
President Erdoğan also stated in a press conference after the Cabinet meeting that almost all of the fires are human-induced. Erdoğan said: "With the arrival of summer, there has been an increase in forest fires. Since June 1, 1516 fires have occurred. 1507 of them have been brought under control. Our planes and helicopters have dropped 33,200 tons of water. 31 people identified as responsible have been detained. 10 have been arrested, and 10 have been released under judicial control. Efforts continue to bring the fires in İzmir, Menderes, Seferihisar, Makina Akhisar, and Muğla Bodrum under control. The fires in Sakarya-Bilecik have been partially brought under control."
Meanwhile, interventions are being made from the air and on the ground to the forest fires that have started in different regions of the country. While interventions continue in İzmir's Menderes and Seferihisar districts, as well as in Manisa and Antalya, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided information about the latest situation.
FLASH DECISION FOR TWO CITIES
Yerlikaya announced that a 'General Life Impact Decision' has been made for the two provinces affected by the forest fires.
Minister Yerlikaya stated, "After the forest fires in İzmir, Bilecik, and Hatay, over 50,000 of our citizens have been temporarily relocated to safe areas. According to initial assessments; 64 residences, 3 workplaces, and 20 barns were damaged in Bilecik; 132 residences and 1 workplace were damaged in İzmir. A 'General Life Impact Decision' has been made for our provinces of Bilecik and İzmir," he said.
Yerlikaya included the following statements in his post:
"After the forest fires in Balıkesir, Bilecik, and Hatay, over 50,000 of our citizens have been temporarily relocated to safe areas.
"60 MILLION TL EMERGENCY AID ALLOCATION HAS BEEN SENT"
According to initial assessments; 64 residences, 3 workplaces, and 20 barns were damaged in Bilecik; 132 residences and 1 workplace were damaged in İzmir. A 'General Life Impact Decision' has been made for our provinces of Bilecik and İzmir. Initially, AFAD sent a total of 60 million TL Emergency Aid Allocation, 30 million TL to the Bilecik Governorship and 30 million TL to the İzmir Governorship. I extend my best wishes to our citizens affected by the fire. Our state stands by our citizens affected by the fire with all its institutions.
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