Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Yumaklı speaks on the forest fire in Çanakkale

Examining the fire zone from a helicopter, Yumaklı later told reporters that there were 42 forest fires across Turkey today, 22 of which occurred within forest areas and 20 outside of them.

Stating that the fires in Burdur, Çanakkale, Sakarya, Manisa, and Uşak are in the "high-risk group," Yumaklı said, "There is an ongoing fire in the Eceabat district of Çanakkale province. We also have a fire continuing in Uşak. All others have been brought under control."

Providing information that the fire in Eceabat was detected at 16:05 and that intervention began at 16:11, Yumaklı explained that aerial firefighting efforts were initiated with 9 aircraft and 6 helicopters.

Providing information on the current situation in the fight against the fire, Yumaklı noted the following:

"Currently, our aerial vehicles have had to land due to sunset. We will continue the fight with one night-vision helicopter. We are currently continuing the struggle with our ground vehicles, consisting of 94 water tenders and heavy machinery, and 540 personnel, with the cooperation of all institutions. We had requested the precautionary evacuation of Büyükanafarta village. Other than that, there is no issue threatening any residential area. There is no health problem, loss of life, or property damage reported from this village in any way."

Minister Yumaklı reminded that as part of the measures, entries to the Gallipoli Historical Site of the Çanakkale Wars have been suspended.

Stating that the wind in the region is blowing at 28 kilometers per hour, with 68 percent humidity and a temperature of 23 degrees, Yumaklı said, "Thank God, conditions are in our favor. It continues. According to our initial findings—of course, we will provide information on the final status—but we estimate that an area of 300 hectares is affected."

"CAUSING A FOREST FIRE HAS VERY SEVERE PENALTIES"

Touching upon the fire that started at 18:30 in Uşak, Yumaklı announced that the intervention, which began 8 minutes after the incident was learned, continues with one helicopter, 33 ground vehicles, and 161 personnel.

Explaining that they prioritize preventing fires from starting in the fight against fire and that the real success lies in this, Yumaklı continued his words as follows:

"Unfortunately, in these days when we are experiencing the extremely significant effects of climate change, especially when we consider that our country in the Mediterranean Basin will be affected much more by this, I want to underline that we need to show much more care. I want to emphasize one more point: We observe that the vast majority of fires that break out in non-forest areas are actually caused by carelessness. I want to remind all our citizens that causing a forest fire, whether knowingly or unknowingly, directly or indirectly, has very severe penalties. While we receive the support of our citizens to a great extent, we cannot accept in any way that large areas are affected, the ecosystem is damaged, or agricultural lands or forest areas are harmed, and the living creatures residing there are harmed due to the negligence of one or a few irresponsible people."

Minister İbrahim Yumaklı stated that they are working hand in hand with all institutions regarding the fire in Eceabat and that there is no situation that would cause great concern.

Stating that they will continue to provide information on the course of the fire and the efforts to combat it, Yumaklı said, "I wish Çanakkale and Eceabat a speedy recovery. The slightest damage to any part of this historical peninsula, which is extremely important in our country's war of independence, causes a great wound in our hearts. That is why I say get well soon again. I hope we can give good news without too many hours passing."

THE FIRE CONTINUES

The forest fire that broke out near Kumköy village in the Eceabat district of Çanakkale continues.

The fire, which started in an agricultural field near Kumköy village in the Eceabat district of Çanakkale around 16:05, spread to the forest area. Regional Directorate of Forestry teams made the first intervention to the fire at 16:11.

A large number of teams were dispatched to the region by air and land. To bring the forest fire under control, 9 aircraft, 6 helicopters, 67 water tenders, and 362 personnel were involved in the intervention during the day.

As it got dark, the intervention to bring the fire under control continues as of 02:00 with 1 night-vision helicopter, 94 water tenders, numerous ground vehicles, and 540 personnel.