Alarm in Marmara: Forest fire that started in Bursa spreads to Balıkesir

The fire, which started on agricultural land in the Büyükorhan district of Bursa and grew rapidly due to the wind, spread to the forest area and reached the borders of the Dursunbey district in the neighboring province of Balıkesir. As the flames threatened forest areas on the border of both provinces, the Bursa and Balıkesir Regional Directorates of Forestry and municipal fire departments went on high alert, launching a multi-faceted aerial and ground firefighting operation.

Teams from both provinces are working in coordination to combat the fire, which is proving difficult to bring under control due to strong winds.

STARTED ON AGRICULTURAL LAND AND SPREAD TO THE FOREST

The fire began for reasons yet to be determined on agricultural land near the Osmanlar neighborhood of Bursa's Büyükorhan district.

Growing quickly due to dry grass and the wind, the flames spread from the agricultural land to the adjacent area of dense pine forests.

As the wind shifted to the south, the flames advanced rapidly, beginning to affect forest areas in the direction of the Adaören neighborhood in Balıkesir's Dursunbey district.

TEAMS FROM TWO PROVINCES MOBILIZED

Numerous fire trucks, water tankers, first-response vehicles, and bulldozers belonging to the Bursa and Balıkesir Regional Directorates of Forestry, along with municipal fire crews, are creating firebreaks to block the path of the flames.

Numerous firefighting helicopters and planes are working intensively from the air to drop water on rugged, mountainous areas that are difficult to access by land.

Teams have increased precautions at critical points to prevent the fire from changing direction due to the wind and reaching nearby residential areas. Firefighting efforts in the region are continuing without interruption.

News Source: 12punto