Forest fire on İstanbul's Princes' Islands
Photos: bianet, Adalar Savunması, AA
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A forest fire on Heybeliada, one of İstanbul's Princes' Islands, was contained about two hours after it broke out, according to the authorities.
The fire broke out at around 1 p.m. and firefighters, a firefighting plane and helicopters were deployed by the General Directorate of Forestry. Locals also participated in the efforts to contain the fire.
Earlier, Princes' Islands Mayor Erdem Gül told Halk TV that the cause of the fire is not yet known. "Our sub-governor's office, our municipality, our people... We are trying to put out the fire before it grows larger. There is every kind of risk. Quick intervention is needed."
The Governor's Office of İstanbul announced that the fire was contained at 2.55 p.m. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire, it said.
A forest fire broke out on the island last July as well. The burned area was cleared from burned trees and 6,750 saplings were planted after the fire, according to Ada Gazetesi, a local newspaper.
Turkey was struck by massive wildfires in late July and early August with tens of thousands of hectares burned in the country's south and southwest.
— ☽ klanta (@busrasolakoglu) August 21, 2021
(AS/VK)