Large-scale forest fires have broken out in Bursa province in northwestern Turkey, with authorities announcing the evacuation of several villages and temporarily blocking one of the country’s main motorways.
According to local officials, the fire has engulfed forest areas between Kestel and Gursu districts, spreading rapidly due to dry and hot weather. Evacuations continue in the villages of Karahidir, Erishler, Horzumlar and Ketenlik. Hundreds of rescuers, firefighting equipment, five helicopters and special police units are involved in extinguishing the fire. Authorities say the situation is “critical” due to strong winds and high temperatures.
The Bursa-Ankara motorway has been temporarily closed due to the threat of the fire spreading to residential areas.
The fires in Bursa were part of an emergency situation that has engulfed various regions of Turkey in recent weeks. Several provinces – Izmir and Bilecik – have declared a natural disaster regime. Turkish authorities say more than 90 criminal proceedings have been launched since the start of the season for probable arson. According to official data, more than 70 active fires are raging in different regions of Turkey.
Authorities are urging the population to stay indoors, close windows because of the danger of smoke poisoning and not to approach the fire zones. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu and Bursa Governor Erol Ayildiz have arrived in the area to coordinate actions on the ground. Rescue services continue to fight the fire in difficult conditions.