Forest fire in Manisa: One neighborhood evacuated

* Photos: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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A fire has broken out in the forest area near Tekeli Işıklar Neighborhood in Soma district of Turkey's Aegean province of Manisa. 

While the cause of the fire is not yet known, the fire has spread quickly due to the wind and the steep land structure. 22 sprinklers, 4 excavators and municipal firefighting teams have been referred to the area.

As reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA), while the firefighting efforts are still going on, additional teams have also been referred to the area to put out the fire. The people living in the Tekeli Işıklar Neighborhood have been evicted as a precautionary measure.

'Fire prevented from reaching the houses'

Soma Sub-Governor Fatih Kaya has come to the area with Mayor Ali Tulup to monitor the firefighting efforts.

Making a statement about the incident, Sub-Governor Kaya has indicated that all citizens and animals have been evicted from the Tekeli Işıklar Neighborhood. He has added that the fire has been prevented from reaching the neighborhood and houses thanks to the teams' efforts.

Ramazan Çetin, living in the neighborhood, has said that they heard about the eviction when it was announced from the mosque's loudspeakers:

"The neighborhood head made an announcement and we left the houses. There is no one left. Around 150 people live in the neighborhood." (TP/SD)