Several forest fires erupted in the Turkish provinces of Adana and Osmaniye yesterday, causing widespread destruction (July 28). There are still flames pouring from three separate fires that started yesterday in the Aladağ, Çukurova, and Sarıçam districts. Three persons have died, and almost 20 neighborhoods or villages were evacuated due to the fires.
Additionally, two forest fires erupted in Osmaniye’s central district and Kadirli district, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes. According to sources, the fire is spreading rapidly due to strong winds and may threaten the Karatepe Arslantaş National Park. In Adana, five villages in the Kozan district have been evacuated as a precaution due to the spread of the fire, which is being fuelled by high winds, according to Governor Süleyman Elban.
According to the governor, many residents in Adana are currently staying in summer houses in the highlands, which are in the fire zone. “The very first thing we did was evacuate the whole population of the city. Because it is summer, which is the highland season, we are experiencing tremendous difficulties.”
According to the most recent statement issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli, 42 fires out of a total of 63 that occurred in 21 provinces have been brought under control, with the remaining fires continuing to burn in their current locations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced late Thursday that a firefighting plane from his country would depart Friday to assist Turkey in its efforts to contain massive wildfires engulfing several forest regions in the country’s western and southern provinces. Turkey is currently battling massive wildfires in several forest regions of both its western and southern provinces.
