This article was originally published in English
Authorities blame low humidity, strong winds and high temperatures as exacerbating factors, and scientists also blame climate change for the frequency and intensity of wildfires.
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Firefighters in Turkey are battling wildfires in several areas in the west of the country for a third day. The country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, AFAD, says the fires are raging. More than 131 forest fires have been declared in the last week.
But Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı said most of the fires had been brought under control. He said the current situation did not warrant an international appeal for help, but advised caution during the weekend.
“We are in a critical period and we must remain vigilant until Sunday. Our teams will respond day and night to any incident,” he said.
Yumaklı said that until now Some 69 forest fires had been controlledbut there were five active fires in the provinces of Izmir, Aydın, Manisa, Karabuk and Bolu.
Firefighters are Fighting fires on the ground and from the airwith dozens of aircraft and hundreds of vehicles assisting in the emergency response.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from the affected areas, but no casualties have been reported. Authorities blame the low humiditylos strong winds and the high temperatures as aggravating factors.
Meanwhile, the authorities Four people arrested in central Bolu province in connection with firestwo of whom were placed under arrest and the other two on probation.