Wildfires in Muğla: 'Every day, we start all over again'

Photos: AA, Evren Gönül/bianet

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Efforts to contain forest fires in Muğla's Marmaris continue as flames are approaching the ancient city in Amos area.

Bianet Coordinator Evren Gönül, who volunteers in the efforts, talked about the latest situation in Amos and Orhaniye areas.

Because of insufficient cooling after extinguishing fires, efforts "start all over again" every day, he said. "The land response continues until the workforce and equipment are exhausted and it is needed again the next day."

Gas masks are among the most urgent needs for those who participate in wildfire response, he noted.

"The wind is dangerous"

"I'm in Amos right now, a little west of Turunç. It is said that some villages in Amos are seriously burned down. We spoke with a villager, he said all of his animals were burned and he was hardly able to rescue his family. Yet he has come here and supports cooling efforts with his car.

"Helicopters carry out the cooling work sometimes. But the real danger is that Turunç and the northern hills of Amos will start to burn unstoppably with the wind that will get stronger in the evening. And the possibility of the fire approaching residential areas.

"Support teams carry out extinguishing and cooling efforts in a vast area. Unfortunately, no efforts made during the day are permanent. They only have a slowing effect. At night, the fire on the slopes advances very strongly. Very, very quickly...

"There are forested hills in the waterfall area in Turgut. Last night, we saw a massive fire there."

"More aerial response is needed"

"In some areas, only firefighters can respond to the fires. Because the fire grows very rapidly at night and there are very steep slopes, the most meaningful contribution that civilians can make is to quickly deliver the 200-meter hoses to firefighters. However, it's also very risky at night as quickly burning fires create a downward 'waterfall of flames.'

"Apart from the land intervention, the only thing that will ensure the end of this fire is the aerial response. Small flames that are not extinguished in different locations pose great danger. I think these fires will continue for a long time if there is not more plane and helicopter response."

Fires start again at night

"I was in Orhaniye yesterday. A fire very close to residential areas was being responded to. Cooling efforts were made. However, the fire grew again very quickly at night. Residential areas are in danger. While people are thinking about losing their animals, they find themselves in danger.

"It is very important to strengthen the communication between the response teams with each other. A situation that can be carried out with an official coordination center is not yet possible for Turkey. There is no such culture."

(AÖ/VK)