Forest fire in southern Turkey under control
Forest fire in southern Turkey under control
10 July 2008
published by www.todayszaman.com
Turkey — A forest fire that broke out on Monday in the southern province of Mersin that killed two has been brought under control, Turkish officials said on Wednesday.
State Minister Kürşad Tüzmen, currently in the disaster area, said that 10 square kilometers of forested land was destroyed in the fire, marking a major global environmental disaster.
He also pledged financial assistance to those whose homes and animals perished in the blaze.
Over 500 firefighters had been called to combat the blaze since Monday, assisted by 100 water trucks, 20 bulldozers and four helicopters, Mersin Deputy Governor Ahmet Soley said, adding that 65 homes were burned to the ground and nine villages evacuated.
