Turkey is once again engulfed in flames, with wildfires burning through forest areas in the northwestern province of Tekirdag and rapidly spreading toward the Marmara region. The massive fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon (July 15) in Sarköy has already created new fronts in Çanakkale, putting firefighting authorities on high alert.
Read: Grevena fire contained: Firefighters battle blaze in area between Mesolouri and Filippaious
Scenes of destruction in Turkey: Forest fires in multiple provinces – Neighborhoods evacuated (Video)
Due to the catastrophic wildfire affecting northwestern Turkey, local authorities have already evacuated seven settlements in the area where the battle against the flames is being fought, while four people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems. In addition to strong ground forces, firefighters are attempting to contain the fire with 21 aircraft conducting water drops, their work made more difficult by strong winds blowing in the area.
Although the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, authorities are investigating the possibility that it was caused by a bird falling into power lines. According to Tekirdag Governor Recep Soytürk, s400 firefighters with 100 vehicles have joined the battle. It should be noted that since late June, Turkey has been experiencing an average of 77 fires per day.
Turkey fires: Smoke visible even in Athens region (Images)
As reported by fire meteorologist Theodoros Giannaros, smoke from the fires in northwestern Turkey reached as far as the Athens region, with him posting on Facebook: “Smoke (and the smell of burning) in Penteli from the fires in Turkey.” The smoke on Tuesday evening had already covered a large portion of the sky in Molyvos, Lesbos, as shown in photos posted on social media.
