Turkey's Anatolia news agency said 69 fires that broke out across the country on Friday had been brought under control, with six still uncontained. Firefighters they are fighting a consuming fire lasy w Manisie, Bolu, Izmirze, Aydin, Karabuk and Muğli. The fires are being extinguished from the air and land. The operation involves 39 helicopters and 10 planes, as well as 458 vehicles, including water tankers and construction equipment. Over two thousand people are involved in the fight against the element, including firefighters, police and gendarmerie.
Fires in Turkey. Firefighting operations and evacuation in Izmir
The fire that broke out on Friday in a forest area near Izmir (Turkey's third largest city) reached the buildings and destroyed 16 houses. 87 farms, 45 businesses and an animal shelter were evacuated.
On Saturday, the wind weakened in this area – the day before, it reached speeds of up to 80 km/h, which not only contributed to the spread of the fire, but also made it difficult fire extinguishing action conducted from the air. Temperatures of up to 36 degrees Celsius and wind gusts of up to 55 km/h are predicted for Saturday.
These are the latest fires the province is battling. In July, due to the devastating fire, Izmir Airport suspended operations. At that time, seven aircraft and 16 firefighting helicopters, as well as 35 fire trucks, were battling the fire.
Fires in Turkey. Thousands of people are fighting the elements
The situation is also difficult in Bolu Province. The forest has been extinguished there for almost two days. Eleven helicopters and over 350 different vehicles are involved in the operation. Over 1,200 uniformed officers are working on site.
W Karabuk Province the forest fire extinguishing operation lasts almost 24 hours. It involves 61 vehicles, including those belonging to foresters, two gendarmerie helicopters and 192 uniformed officers.
Manisa is fighting a fire that has been ravaging forests for four days. The firefighting operation is being carried out from the air by 20 planes and helicopters. They are supported by 450 uniformed officers.
In the province of Kayacık 5 planes and helicopters and 100 uniformed officers are fighting the element. Residents of several districts in Salihli have been evacuated.
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