New forest fires have broken out in the Kurdish provinces of Mardin and Van. Local fire departments and forestry authorities are on the scene, supported by residents. In many places, the mountainous terrain is hampering firefighting efforts.
In Mardin, a fire broke out in the district of Kerboran (Dargeçit) between the rural neighborhoods of Erbê, Dêywan, and the hamlet of Xirabêka. After residents had undertaken initial firefighting efforts, teams from the forestry administration and the municipal fire department arrived on the scene. The fire quickly spread over a large area.
A forest fire has also been reported in the district of Gevaş in Van. The flames are blazing in the hamlets of Mickas and Xurtis. According to the authorities, emergency services are fighting the fire on the ground and from the air. However, the rough terrain is making it difficult to access some of the flames.
The causes of both fires are still unclear. No injuries have been reported so far.
On Friday, a forest fire broke out in the district of Lice in Amed (Diyarbakır) province, which was partially brought under control. The fire broke out after Turkish soldiers burned confiscated cannabis in the Xombaz neighborhood. Residents have been keeping watch there since the night to prevent the fire from reigniting.