Fire spreads to forest area, teams on high alert

A fire broke out in a moving truck on the Sındırgı-Simav highway, near the Düvertepe neighborhood, around noon. The flames rising from the truck spread to the surrounding forest area due to the effect of the wind. Drivers who noticed the incident immediately reported the situation to the authorities, and a large number of fire department and forestry directorate teams were dispatched to the region.

According to information obtained from officials, aerial and ground intervention against the fire has been initiated. According to the statement made by the Balıkesir Governor's Office, a total of 295 personnel, including 7 firefighting aircraft, 8 helicopters, 31 water tenders, 3 fire trucks, 16 water tankers, 8 first response vehicles, 21 service vehicles, 4 bulldozers, and 2 ambulances, were directed to the region to bring the fire under control.

Although there are minor differences in the numbers of some vehicles and personnel in information coming from different institutions, the rapid intervention of the teams at the scene drew attention. The Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department and the Sındırgı Municipality are also actively supporting the extinguishing efforts.

In the assessment made, a security corridor was established in the region by the authorities as the fire was close enough to threaten residential areas. Sındırgı Municipality teams warned citizens with announcements not to use the highway. While intensive aerial extinguishing efforts were carried out during the day, it was reported that operations continued from the ground in the evening hours.

News Source: 12punto