A forest fire in Şemdinli district in the province of Hakkari is threatening to get out of control. Since the early hours of Sunday morning, large parts of a wooded area around the village of Derya have been ablaze. Despite the efforts of the fire department, the fire has still not been brought under control.
Eyewitnesses report that strong winds are causing the fire to spread rapidly. The vegetation is dry, and the terrain is difficult to access. Local authorities and residents are issuing urgent warnings about further escalation. The flames are now spreading toward inhabited areas.
“A helicopter was deployed, but it has been out of action for several hours for refueling. The fires continue to spread. Without immediate and effective air support, this fire cannot be contained,” Muharrem Tekin, chairman of the Hakkari Chamber of Commerce and Crafts, said on Monday.
Tekin emphasized that the steep, rough terrain made it nearly impossible for fire trucks to reach the area of the fire. “This fire cannot be extinguished with muscle power alone. We urgently request the deployment of additional helicopters and firefighting aircraft.”
The exact cause of the fire remains unclear.