Konya’da Stubble Fire Turns into Major Forest Fire
A fire that started from burning stubble in the Güvendik Neighborhood’s Davras area in Konya’s Doğanhisar district around 11:00 AM yesterday has spread to the forest, fanned by strong winds. The situation escalated quickly, prompting a large-scale response.
Intensive Firefighting Efforts by Air and Land
Under the coordination of the Konya Governorship, a significant force has been mobilized to combat the blaze. The response includes 101 vehicles and 333 personnel from the Forest Regional Directorate and the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department. Air support is being provided by 1 airplane and 3 helicopters from the General Directorate of Forestry, with the 3rd Main Jet Base Command facilitating fuel refueling for the helicopters. The firefighting efforts are hampered by temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and winds reaching speeds of 10 kilometers per hour, which have pushed the flames towards the Ketenli Plateau.
Flames Threaten to Cross into Isparta Province
Despite continuous efforts throughout the night, the fire has advanced and is now approaching the border of Isparta’s Şarkikaraağaç district. Teams are relentlessly working on both the ground and from the air to prevent the fire from spreading further into the neighboring province.
Official Statements on the Ongoing Situation
Mayor: ‘No Residential Areas at Risk’
Doğanhisar Mayor Ali Öztoklu provided an update, reassuring that there are no residential areas currently at risk from the fire’s path.
“The flames, driven by the wind, have extended to the Ketenli Plateau and are now close to the forested areas within the borders of Isparta’s Şarkikaraağaç district. The fight continues with 1 airplane, 3 helicopters, and numerous ground crews. The fire in the forested area in the Davras location has been brought under control,” said Mayor Öztoklu.
Konya Governorship: ‘Efforts are Uninterrupted’
The Konya Governorship also released a statement via its ‘X’ social media account, highlighting the non-stop efforts to control the fire.
“To bring the forest fire in our Doğanhisar district under control, our #HeroesOfTheForest and teams are continuing their work with all their strength and without interruption under the coordination of our Governorship. Our teams, who worked intensively on the ground throughout the night, are continuing to fight the fire with the support of aircraft since the first light of morning. All our resources have been mobilized to bring the fire under control as soon as possible.”