217 forest fires contained, 6 ongoing in southwestern Turkey

By Dilan Pamuk

ANKARA (AA) - Of some 223 forest fires that started last week, just six remain ongoing, said Turkey’s agriculture and forestry minister on Saturday.

Most of the fires have been contained thanks to the dedicated efforts of Turkish firefighting teams, while the blazes in Koycegiz, Kavaklidere, Milas, Yatagan and Cine in the southwestern Mugla province continue, as well as one in the town of Sutculer in Isparta, Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters.

Firefighting teams are working hard to protect a thermal power plant and touristic areas in Mugla, where as many as 15 forest fires initially broke out, he added.

The fire in Milas is currently "dormant, not posing any significant threat," he said

"We have been combatting the fires with 16 aircraft, nine unmanned aerial vehicles, 57 helicopters, an unmanned helicopter, 850 water tenders and tankers, and 150 engineering vehicles, along with 5,250 forestry personnel," Pakdemirli added.

At least eight people have been killed, according to official figures, since fires started in southern and southwestern Turkey on July 28.