Update (7 April 2000, 12:00 GMT)
In the latest update from Turkey it is reported that forest fires across Turkey destroy 70 houses. Forestry ministry officials said yesterday that the country experienced the worst day of forest fires in more than 60 years with a total 83 fires, mostly in western Turkey. Most of the fires, fanned by strong winds, are now under control. Planes had been made available to go to the fire-hit areas.
Heat signatures (dark red) can be seen from fires burning in central Turkey on 6 April 2000.
Fig.1. NOAA-14 POES AVHRR LAC multichannel color
composite
(Source: NOAA/OSEI)
First Report (6 April 2000, 18:00 GMT)
A forest fire apparently caused by an electrical short-circuit is spreading in western Turkey since 5 April 2000. A village, 200 km south of Istanbul, in the industrial province Bursa, had to be evacuated. There were no casualties. Strong winds caused transmission lines from the Orhaneli power plant to short-circuit, showering sparks on trees underneath. The fire is still not under control. About 800 hectares of forest have been burned so far, and if the fire cannot be controlled, it may spread to 5,000 hectares.
Information Source: REUTERS NEWS SERVICE/Planet Ark