Multiple wildfires continue to ravage Turkey’s western regions for the third consecutive day, with over 131 forest fires breaking out in the past week. While the Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumaklı, stated that most fires had been brought under control, five active blazes remain in various provinces.
Firefighters are battling the fires on the ground and from the air, with the help of numerous aircraft and vehicles. Thousands of people have been evacuated from the affected areas, though there have been no reports of casualties.
Authorities attribute the wildfires to low humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures, with scientists also pointing to climate change as a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and intensity of these fires.
Yumaklı urged caution and vigilance until Sunday, emphasizing that response teams are working around-the-clock to address any new incidents. While the situation does not currently require international assistance, the government remains on high alert.
In a related development, authorities detained four individuals in connection to the fires in Bolu, with two of them being arrested and the other two released on probation. The Turkish government continues its efforts to contain the wildfires and protect the affected areas.
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