ANKARA, July 14 (BNA) Firefighters have treated a forest fire that broke out near the tourist town of Datca in southwestern Turkey, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet, local authorities and media said.
The Mugla Provincial Governor’s office said in a statement that nine helicopters, five planes and several other firefighting vehicles were sent to the area, adding that the fire was spreading due to strong winds.
Television footage showed smoke billowing from trees and helicopters submerging water on the fire as it spread through the forests in the tourist area.
Reuters quoted the statement as saying, “A large number of air and ground crews have been directed to the area. Our teams have taken the necessary measures to protect the settlements from the fire.”
Countries such as France and Portugal – which have suffered a second heat wave in as many months – have been hit by a series of wildfires over the past few weeks. Read more
The fire in southwest Turkey evoked memories of last summer’s fires that destroyed 140,000 hectares (345,950 acres) of countryside, the worst ever.
Local officials have warned that the authorities are not ready for this summer.