City blanketed in smoke and ash: Critical warning for Bursa following forest fires
Although the major forest fires that continued throughout the past month in Bursa have been brought under control, the city has been blanketed in smoke and ash. This situation has led to a 30 percent increase in hospital admissions for those suffering from respiratory ailments. Experts have warned that the air pollution is expected to persist for another month.
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Forest fires that broke out in the Kestel-Gürsu and Orhaneli-Harmancık districts of Bursa caused hundreds of trees to burn to ash. The fires, which lasted for approximately five days, created a dense layer of smoke and ash over the city.
The resulting dense cloud of smog has both negatively impacted air quality and threatened public health.
According to a report by NTV, a 30 percent increase in hospital admissions for patients experiencing respiratory problems has been observed over the last two weeks.
Experts stated that the transport of polluted air and ash particles resulting from the forest fires will continue for approximately another month, noting that individuals with respiratory conditions, in particular, need to take extra precautions.
“MASK USAGE IS VERY IMPORTANT”
Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdullah Şimşek emphasized that there has been a high volume of emergency room visits due to attacks triggered by post-fire air pollution in patients with chronic conditions. Şimşek stated that N95 masks, which have high protective properties, should be used in particular.