‘Not Even a Single Square-Meter of Blazed Forestland will be Zoned for Construction'

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The forest fire that broke out in the Neighborhood of Tırazlı in Karabağlar in İzmir on August 18 has spread to the borders of Menderes and Seferihisar districts as a result of wind-fueled flames.

It has been reported that 500-hetare forestland has been blazed and several animals have been injured in the fire. The fires extinguishing efforts of fire brigade creqs continued all through the night. As the wind subsided at night, the fire could be fended off from the residential areas.

The authorities have announced that the fire has not yet been taken under control and the fire extinguishing efforts will continue today (August 20).

'Conditions constantly changing against us'

Making a statement about the ongoing forest fire in İzmir, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli has indicated that a night flight was held for the first time last night with the aim of facilitating coordination.

"Conditions are always against us. Humidity, temperature and wind are constantly changing. We have to struggle against hundreds, even thousands of fires", Minister Pakdemirli has stated.

Sharing a message on his personal Twitter account yesterday (August 19), İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Tunç Soyer said,

"Forest fires are unfortunately still continuing. 35 people living in 15 households in Kuyaycak and the ones living in Menderes Balaban Village have been evacuated. A forest worker got wounded while cutting a tree to protect the weather station in Tırazlı. I extend him my get well soon wishes.

"It is very difficult for the ones who have not received the necessary training or are not well-equipped to intervene against the fire due to the strong wind. Please pay heed to the warnings of the authorized personnel."

Yanan alanların 1 metrekaresini bile imara açmayacağız. Söz konusu alanların ağaçlandırılması içinse bir kampanya başlatmaya ve sorumluluk almaya hazırız. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı’na talebimizi iletip, onaylarını isteyeceğiz. pic.twitter.com/0Oal6ABc7b

— Tunç Soyer (@tuncsoyer) August 19, 2019

Tunç Soyer has also indicated that "not a single square-meter" of the blazed forestland will not be zoned for construction:

"We will not zone not a single square-meter of the blazed areas for construction. As for the reforestation of the blazed areas, we are ready to launch a campaign and to take on responsibility. We will submit our request to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and demand their approval."

The causes of the fire are still being investigated. One of the allegations is that the fire broke out as a result of a barbecue fire. (RT/SD)