More evacuations in Antalya, entry to forests banned in Dersim

Photos: AA

Click to read the article in Turkish (1) (2) / Kurdish

Evacuations have started in one more district of Antalya, a southern province that has been hit by massive wildfires since July 28.

As the fire in Gündoğmuş was approaching residential areas, authorities started evacuating people in several neighborhoods yesterday (August 2).

The fire erupted on July 29. Due to the steep terrain in the region, firefighting efforts are carried out with difficulty.

Antalya Mayor Muhittin Böcek said on Twitter that firefighting planes and helicopters are needed to contain the fires. "In Gündoğmuş, the fire has reached the town. Planes, helicopters are needed. As the Metropolitan Municipality, we respond from the land together with the relevant organizations."

Later, Minister of Transportation Adil Karaismailoğlu said the fire near the residential areas was contained.

Wildfires in Antalya's Manavgat and Muğla's Bodrum, Marmaris and Milas and Isparta continue.

According to the Mimnistry of Agriculture and Forestry, 125 of the 132 fires that erupted between July 28 and August 2 have been contained. The country's southern parts, especially Antalya and Muğla, have been the hardest hit regions by the blazes.

Dersim

The Governor's Office of Dersim banned entry to forests until September 1 as a precautionary measure against wildfires as the high temperatures are expected to continue in August.

Camping and picnics after 8 p.m. are also prohibited.

It also banned barbecues, samovars and any kind of fire in specified recreation areas, picnic sites and natural parks. Hunters and shepherds will be prevented from setting fires.

Wildfires that started after a military operation have been going on in Hozat district in the eastern province.

The operation started after an armored military vehicle heading to the Amutka gendarmerie station was attacked. The rural areas near the Dereköy and Gedikler (Geşnek) villages were bombed. The forest fire was reportedly caused by the fire opened by helicopters.

Police prevented municipal firefighters, the mayor of Dersim and citizens from heading to Hozat, citing its "temporary special security zone" status. (TP/KÖ/VK)