Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Bozbey: The direction of the fire is uncertain, more air support is needed

While the fire in Bursa's Harmancık district flared up again in the evening hours, extinguishing efforts are continuing uninterrupted through the cooperation of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality fire department, the Regional Directorate of Forestry, public institutions, metropolitan municipalities, district municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and citizens. Bursa Metropolitan Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, accompanied by CHP Provincial Chairman Nihat Yeşiltaş, CHP Bursa Deputy Hasan Öztürk, and municipal administrators, went to the Harmancık district to inspect the efforts on-site. Wishing the teams working day and night in the field strength, Mayor Bozbey moved to the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) vehicle, observed the area via drone, and received information about the latest situation.

"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT WHICH WAY THE FIRE WILL TURN"

Stating that Bursa's lungs continue to burn, Metropolitan Mayor Mustafa Bozbey noted that forest fires are continuing at 4 separate points in the Harmancık district. Expressing their deep sadness over the situation, Mayor Bozbey stated that Bursa has been experiencing a disaster for the last 3 days that has not been seen for many years. Explaining that nature is being destroyed and living creatures in nature are being harmed as a result of the great catastrophe, Mayor Bozbey said, "Today, in addition to aircraft and helicopter reinforcements, there is intensive work in the field by teams, citizens, and non-governmental organizations.

Despite all this, the fire does not stop. The teams are making a great effort, especially to ensure that the fire does not threaten residential areas. I thank everyone who contributed. However, due to the effect of the rapidly shifting wind, it is impossible to predict which way the fire will turn. The teams face danger from time to time and can get trapped in the flames. We want them to be careful as well," he said.

"WE ARE DEMANDING EVEN MORE"

Stating that they have been following the situation in the Harmancık district 24 hours a day, day and night, Mayor Bozbey expressed that the continuation of the fire saddens everyone. Expressing that it is extremely distressing to see Bursa's future darkening, Mayor Bozbey said, "There is sufficient support in the area. However, we cannot predict where, when, or how the fire will turn. That is why the fire cannot be extinguished despite the intensive efforts of the teams.

We believe that a certain point will be reached thanks to the efforts made under the leadership of our Governorship. I believe that the situation will stabilize as the wind speed slows down, and then the fire will be extinguished with cooling efforts. It was especially important for aircraft and helicopters to provide constant support throughout the day to areas that the teams could not reach. We are demanding even more. In this way, more forest will be saved from burning," he said.

Later, Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and his entourage visited Çakmak Village, which is under threat from the fire, to convey their get-well wishes to the citizens and joined the villagers and teams in their fight against the fire.