Minister: 2,792 forest fires occurred in Turkey this year

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A total of 2,792 forest fires razed 18.806 hectares of land in Turkey as of October 2, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli has announced.

In response to a parliamentary question by main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) İzmir deputy Atila Sertel, the minister noted that 10.545 firefighters, 4,110 technicians and 6,435 protection officers have been involved in the efforts against forest fires throughout the year.

Also, he added, 1,072 water tenders, 281 water tanker vehicles, 2,267 first intervention vehicles, 185 dozers and 473 other vehicles, two planes and 27 helicopters have been used.

The ministry has also held trainings, broadcasts, meetings and seminars to improve awareness about forest fighters, the minister said. (TP/VK)