ISTANBUL, Jul 27 (NNN-TRT) – Two major wildfires, in north-western and northern Türkiye, triggered mass evacuations yesterday, with strong winds pushing flames towards residential areas, and trapping vehicles on engulfed roads, local authorities said.
In Bursa province, an uncontrolled blaze between Kestel and Gursu districts, spread rapidly towards the villages, forcing evacuations. Online videos showed residents fleeing on foot, as fire engulfed a main roadway, briefly stranding vehicles, including civilian aid cars.
Meanwhile, a blaze that began on Thursday in Karabuk province, remained uncontained, prompting precautionary evacuation of nearly 20 villages. Authorities closed the Ankara-Karabuk highway, as residents attempted to relocate livestock from danger zones.
Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, confirmed yesterday, 76 active fires nationwide – 28 forested and 48 rural, citing extreme heat and “very high risk” conditions.
He said, firefighting teams will continue night operations.
Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius in Bursa, and 37 degrees Celsius in Karabuk yesterday, with forecasts predicting even higher temperatures over the next two days.– NNN-TRT
