Firefighters in Turkey are battling wildfires across three provinces in the country’s northwest. Turkish Minister of Agriculture, Ibrahim Yumakli, announced the ongoing efforts on Thursday evening, according to a report from Reuters.
The firefighting operation has so far involved 14 aircraft, 31 helicopters, and 265 vehicles, Yumakli detailed. The fires have erupted in the provinces of Çanakkale, Bolu, and Manisa. The exact cause of the fires is still unknown, but Yumakli expressed optimism that all three blazes could be brought under control by Friday. He noted that the situation is gradually improving.
Footage shared by the media shows flames engulfing large areas, with thick black smoke rising over forests and towns. However, local authorities have reassured the public that the fires do not currently pose a threat to populated areas.
