“23 helicopters, 250 water tankers, 35 bulldozers battling flames”

 

Agriculture and Forest minister Bekir Pakdemirli made a speech to reporters in western Izmir province.

Firefighters are battling to contain forest fires that erupted in southwestern and western Turkey on Sunday.

Agriculture and Forest Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said the fires broke out in four different regions -- including two in Milas district of the southwestern Mugla province and others in the Aegean province of Izmir.

A total of 23 helicopters, 250 water tankers, and 35 bulldozers were battling the flames, which spread due to heavy winds, Pakdemirli added. 

The fire in Karabaglar district of Izmir has so far burned more than 100 hectares of forestland.

“Despite the adverse weather conditions, hopefully, the [flames] will be brought under control soon," the minister said.