Efforts to contain fire in Urla, İzmir continue

Four aircraft, 12 helicopters, 36 fire trucks, 10 water supply vehicles, 4 bulldozers, and 8 ground crews belonging to the General Directorate of Forestry were dispatched to the region.

İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban conducted inspections in the area.

Speaking to reporters later, Elban stated that 5 fires had broken out in the city today.

Noting that the fire is estimated to have started at 16:33 south of the Yağcılar neighborhood due to a spark jumping from a charcoal production site, Elban said:

"It spread rapidly due to the wind. Within 10 minutes, our aerial teams and then our ground intervention began. On the coastal side, we evacuated 15 citizens with our Coast Guard boats. We also ensured the evacuation of 135 citizens from 29 caravans and 7 houses to prevent any risks to their safety. Until sunset, the intervention was carried out with 10 aircraft and 12 helicopters. On the ground, our intervention continued with 84 vehicles, 2 riot control vehicles (TOMA), 4 bulldozers, 50 fire trucks, 29 water tankers, and our other vehicles, along with 404 personnel. As of now, our two night-vision helicopters are continuing our aerial intervention."

Explaining that the teams are continuing their intensive efforts, Elban stated, "The fire has not yet been brought under control. If there is no abnormality in the wind—we have winds that sometimes reach 72 kilometers per hour—there is currently no risk to residential areas. The energy of the fire has decreased slightly."

When asked by reporters, "Is there negligence at the charcoal production site regarding the fire?" Elban replied, "The business owner has been taken into custody under the instruction of the prosecutor's office. His interrogation is ongoing."

It was learned that the person taken into custody is I.A. (33).

Onur Orkun Dinli, who stated that he was at his vineyard house in the Demircili neighborhood during the fire, said that they were evacuated to a safe zone with the help of gendarmerie and AFAD teams.

News Source: AA