Wildfires in Turkey have overtake for weeks threatened the country’s fourth-largest city early Sunday, causing more than 1,700 people to flee their homes.
Overnight fires in the forested mountains surrounding Bursa in northwest Turkey spread rapidly, tinting the night sky over the city’s eastern suburbs with a red glow. Dozens of severe wildfires have hit the country daily.
Bursa governor’s office said in a statement Sunday that 1,765 people had been safely evacuated from villages to the northeast as more than 1,900 firefighters battled the flames.
Wildfires in Turkey have killed at least 14 people and destroy large areas of forest. Fires began in the provinces of Bursa and Karabük. Strong winds and record heat helped the flames spread quickly.
Officials have declared states of emergency in Izmir and Bilecik provinces. The forest minister said more than 1,900 firefighters are on the ground. Hundreds of rescue workers are helping with evacuations.
Meanwhile, police have arrested 97 people linked to fire-related crimes, Investigations are underway.
