20 hectares of forest lands reduced to ash in Turkish resort Bodrum
MUĞLA – Anadolu Agency
Around 20 hectares of forest lands were reduced to ash due to a forest fire in the Aegean province of Muğla on July 6.The fire, ignited due to unknown reasons, started in Muğla’s Bodrum district and rapidly spread due the effect of strong winds.
The fire spread to an archeological site hosting three historical rock tombs in Bodrum’s Yalıkavak neighborhood.
Firefighter crews from the Muğla Municipality and the Turkish Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) were dispatched to the scene to battle the outbreak.
The fire stirred panic among locals, with employees and customers of an entertainment venue near the scene of the fire watching anxiously as fire crews worked to extinguish it. Electricity and telephone wires were damaged in the fire.
Crews brought the fire under control after many hours, as 20 hectares of maquis shrublands were reportedly damaged. Work to extinguish the fire has been ongoing in the area.
A total of 147 forest fires, which destroyed 673 hectares of land across Turkey between July 1 and 4 amid sweltering temperatures, have been brought under control, Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu said on July 4, urging citizens to properly clean up areas in forests after picnicking.
