Forest Fires Surround Turkey's Fourth Largest City, Thousands Evacuated

Forest fires continue to engulf vast areas in northwestern Turkey, as firefighting efforts persist in extinguishing two massive fires that have been burning for over 24 hours in the vicinity of the industrial city of Bursa, the country's fourth largest city.

Turkish authorities announced on Saturday and Sunday the evacuation of over 3,500 citizens from the areas surrounding the city, in an attempt to protect them from the fire hazard.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated, "The number of evacuees has reached 3,515 people, who have been transported to safe areas," noting the participation of over 2,300 firefighters and rescue workers in the firefighting operations amidst strong winds exacerbating the situation.

Field efforts are distributed among more than 850 vehicles, seven planes, and four helicopters tirelessly operating, with temperature expectations nearing 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days, increasing the risk of fire spread in the forested areas surrounding the city.

In a tragic incident, a firefighter died of a heart attack while on duty on Saturday evening, and three others lost their lives in a collision involving a tanker truck used to extinguish the fire, according to the Bursa province.

In the rural province of Karabuk in northern Turkey, fires are still consuming forests covering 72% of its area, as firefighting teams have been trying for five days to control the fire that forced the evacuation of over 1,800 residents.

Rugged terrain and fires spreading over tens of kilometers add to the difficulty of the mission, amidst a heatwave and drought affecting the country.

Earlier this week, ten forest workers and volunteers lost their lives after being surrounded by a fierce fire 150 kilometers to the east.

Turkish authorities once again urged extreme caution on Sunday, warning of the continued risk of forest fires until October, amid ongoing heatwaves and drought.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed that the country has managed to extinguish over three thousand fires since the beginning of summer, in an ongoing battle against natural elements threatening thousands of lives and properties.