Scandalous truth emerges as İzmir battles wildfires! Cemil Tugay reveals: Municipality's request for aircraft was rejected

Forest fires that have been continuing for days in various districts of İzmir, particularly in Çeşme, have caused great concern in the city. As the flames grew due to the wind, turning numerous forested areas into ash, firefighting efforts have at times remained insufficient.

The lack of intervention and coordination regarding the fires has sparked reactions among citizens. Images and criticisms shared on social media have focused particularly on the lack of aerial intervention.

WHY IS THERE NO AIRCRAFT INTERVENTION?

A detail that has become the focus of the discussions occurred in May. It was learned that İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay had applied to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry requesting authorization for the municipality to purchase and operate firefighting aircraft, but this request was rejected.

This development also clarified the reason why the municipality can only intervene in fires from the ground.

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay provided important information on the subject in a statement he made in recent weeks. Stating that purchasing the aircraft alone was not enough, Tugay spoke as follows:

“The İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, or municipalities in general, do not have the authority to purchase and operate firefighting aircraft. Buying the aircraft is not enough; separate permission is required to use it. We held talks on this matter, but we were told that this would not be permitted. Therefore, what is realistic right now is to intervene in the fire as effectively as possible from the ground.”

Tugay also pointed to the importance of inter-institutional coordination, saying, "We are ready to work in full harmony with every institution."