Flames rise again in Karabük: Forest workers rescued at the last moment

A forest fire has broken out once again in Karabük. The fire, which was brought under control on August 5, reignited yesterday, and teams responded rapidly. The fire started around 14:00 in a forested area near Arıcak Village, which is connected to the city center. Upon reports from villagers, teams from the Regional Directorate of Forestry were immediately dispatched to the region.

GOVERNORATE STATEMENT: INTERVENTION WITH 121 VEHICLES AND 6 HELICOPTERS

The Karabük Governorate announced the intervention efforts. The statement said, "Following reports of smoke in the forested area near Arıcak village, opposite Melise Street in the Soğuksu neighborhood, around 14:00, teams were quickly mobilized." A total of 121 vehicles, 6 helicopters, 1 aircraft, and 511 personnel were sent to the region for the intervention.

YEŞİLKÖY VILLAGE EVACUATED AS A PRECAUTION

As the fire spread rapidly, an evacuation order was issued for Yeşilköy Village, which is connected to the city center. Residents of the 80-household village were moved to a safe area by gendarmerie teams. Yeşilköy village is located on the Karabük-Zonguldak highway, and villagers who quickly left the area as the fire approached were directed to safe zones.

MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT THE FIRE FROM SPREADING TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Authorities also took precautions in risky surrounding areas to prevent the fire from spreading to residential zones. Firefighting efforts are continuing from the ground as night falls.

THEY WATCHED THE FIRE FROM CAMP CHAIRS

While the flames in the region illuminated the night, it was observed that some citizens sat on camp chairs and drank tea while watching the fire. Reacting to this situation, authorities warned citizens not to approach the fire zone and not to obstruct firefighting efforts.

FOREST WORKERS TRAPPED BY FLAMES, RESCUED AT THE LAST MOMENT

Forest workers intervening in the fire zone faced great danger. Gürhan Altınok, a staff member of the Ulus Forest Management Directorate, experienced great panic while the gendarmerie was trying to move him to a safe area, fearing his colleagues had been left behind. However, the teams managed to rescue the forest workers from the flames at the last moment.

News Source: 12punto