Turkey bans forest entry in 2 provinces due to fire

Turkish authorities have banned entry into forest areas in the western provinces of Izmir and Balikesir amid continuing wildfires across the country. Izmir Mayor Tunk Soyer announced on Twitter, municipal teams are on high alert. He requested the citizens to inform the authorities about any suspicious activities.

The governor’s office in Balikesir said security officials had increased controls in high-risk areas.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli announced that since Wednesday 58 forest fires in 17 Turkey’s provinces have been brought under control.

Pakdemirli also said that a large-scale investigation had been launched into the cause of the fire.

Earlier in the day, wildfires broke out in the southwestern Turkish resort towns of Marmaris and Bodrum, threatening tourist facilities and residential areas.

At least three people were killed in a fierce forest fire that broke out in the southern province of Antalya on Wednesday, according to officials.