ISTANBUL: A forest fire that broke out on one of the Princes’ Islands off the coast of Istanbul has been brought under control, the governor of the Turkish metropolis said on Sunday.
“The fire in Heybeliada was brought under control as of 14.55 p.m. (1155 GMT). Cooling efforts are underway. I would like to thank the people of Heybeliada and our firefighters,” Ali Yerlikaya said on Twitter. The fire broke out on the island earlier in the day, forcing people to evacuate. The General Directorate of Forestry sent firefighting teams along with four planes and five helicopters to the island to put out the fire. Personnel from Istanbul’s Kartal and Maltepe districts were also dispatched. The Istanbul governorate said an investigation to find out the cause of the blaze has been initiated.
It may be recalled that Turkey firefighters contained 112 mysterious forest-fires in Turkey recently. Turkish Minister of Forestry and Agriculture Bekir Pakdemirli took to the Twitter on 1st day of August to inform that 107 fires were under control, while five fires were continuing in the tourist destinations of Antalya and Mugla. According to Turkish Forest Minister Pakdemirli the incendies commenced in thirty-two provinces from Wednesday 28th of July, 2021 onward. Till Sunday 1st day of August the fires had consumed 8 human lives (seven in Antalya, one in Marmaris) and injured hundreds of people.
Police water cannons are also being used alongside fire brigade trucks and helicopters to contain the fire. Panicked tourists were evacuated from hotels on Saturday 31st of July. Incidentally, while fires duly contained earlier, reignited, due to strong winds firefighting further became difficult. Prime Minister Imran Khan taking to the Twitter on Friday 30th of July, stated: “We stand with the govt & people of Turkey & share in their sorrow at the tragic loss of life in the wildfires tragedy. Pakistan stands ready to offer any help that the Turkish govt & people may need at this difficult time.”
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