Forest fires ravage İzmir, Balıkesir in Turkey

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Forest fires have devastated hundreds of hectares of land in the Selçuk and Menderes districts of İzmir, as well as in Susurluk, Balıkesir.

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı addressed journalists from the fire crisis center in Selçuk district.

Minister Yumaklı confirmed, "All three fires have been brought under control as of now," referring to the blazes in Selçuk, Menderes, and Susurluk. He emphasized ongoing investigations into the causes, stating, "The Menderes fire originated in a hobby garden, and those responsible are in custody. Yesterday, there were six fires at risk in İzmir, including one in Çeşme, caused unfortunately by a discarded cigarette butt. The individual responsible has also been detained."

Warning of severe consequences for those found responsible for starting fires, Minister Yumaklı stressed, "Whether intentional or due to negligence, causing a forest fire or any destructive fire will result in very harsh penalties, considering the loss of life and property it entails. There is an intense effort to prevent such incidents."

Yumaklı reported significant damage, stating, "Approximately 150 hectares in Menderes and 350 hectares in Selçuk have been affected by the fires."