PodcastFirefighters curb wildfire in Turkey’s northwestern region after two days
Firefighters brought the wildfire in Turkey’s northwestern Çanakkale province under control on the third day. Some 11 villages were evacuated due to the fire, which was effective in an area of 1,500 hectares, i.e. 2,100 football fields.
Duvar English
Firefighters on Aug. 24 managed to bring the wildfire that originated in the central districts of Turkey's northwestern Çanakkale province under control on the third day.
"We have brought the fire under control before 48 hours were up ... Our only consolation is that there has been no loss of life," Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı told reporters.
More than 1,200 people from 11 villages have been evacuated from the path of the fire which was fanned by high temperatures, dry air, and strong winds.
Some 97 people suffered injuries from the fire, which affected 4,080 hectares (11861.06 acres), including forest and agricultural land, authorities said. In other words, an area of 2,100 football fields was burnt.
At least 88 animals cared for by villagers died in the fire, while thousands of trees and animals living in the forest were also affected by the flames and smoke.