Forest Fire Destroys 200 Hectares, Threatens Kusadasi
Forest Fire Destroys 200 Hectares, Threatens Kusadasi
21 August 2006
published by www.zaman.com
Istanbul, Turkey — An enormous forest fire which broke out on Sunday near the historic town of Selcuk in Izmir has ravaged nearly 200 hectares and is approaching the Turkish resort of Kusadasi.
Electricity and water supplies to certain parts of Kusadasi have been severed by the rapidly spreading flames.
The villages of Yenikoy and Ecekoy have been evacuated, with tourists also fleeing the region as the fire came within 15-20 meters of the house of the Virgin Mary.
The flames destroyed TV transmitters in the region, cutting broadcasts in the city of Selcuk.
Nearly 1000 workers, 103 firefighting vehicles, and 18 bulldozers backed by 12 helicopters and seven planes have been fighting the flames amid strong winds.
Turkish Environment and Forestry Minister Osman Pepe arrived in Kusadasi to observe the firefighting efforts.
