Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay speaks on the Izmir fire: 'We will consult with the Ministry'

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay made statements regarding the fires in the city. 

AERIAL VEHICLE PROCUREMENT PLANNED

Tugay announced that after four days of intensive efforts in fighting the fires, they will begin discussions with the ministry for the procurement of aerial vehicles. Tugay stated, “If the ministry grants us permission on this matter, we will make such an effort. I believe that local governments should be given more authority.”

COOLING EFFORTS CONTINUE

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Cemil Tugay conducted inspections in the Elifli village of the Bayındır district, where the fires occurred, and stated that the fires have been brought under control and cooling efforts are ongoing. Tugay said, “There have been 240 fires in 24 of our districts over four days. Currently, all fires appear to be under control.”

Evaluating the support received from other provinces in the fight against the fires, Tugay thanked the firefighting teams that arrived from Istanbul, Burdur, Bursa, Afyon, Mugla, Adana, Mersin, Diyarbakir, Giresun, and Van. Tugay said, "A great show of solidarity was displayed with the aid coming from all four corners of Turkey. I thank everyone."

WE WILL ACQUIRE AERIAL VEHICLES

Cemil Tugay announced that they will begin discussions with the ministry to acquire vehicles that will enable aerial intervention in fires. Stating, “There is a demand from our citizens that the necessary equipment be provided so that municipalities can perform aerial interventions. We will begin discussions with the ministry on this issue,” Tugay noted that emergency aid plans and reforestation efforts following the fire are also on the agenda.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY MUST BE INCREASED

Cemil Tugay added that in addition to post-fire emergency action plans, the authority of local governments must be increased, and they will convey their demands on this matter through the Union of Municipalities of Turkey and the CHP headquarters.

News Source: 12punto