Turkey has been battling a heatwave for several weeks that has left at least 14 people dead in forest fires across the country. Authorities have blamed climate change and strong winds for the blazes.
“Authorities are taking action to address this situation, and fire prevention measures have been tightened. Inspections, particularly in forested areas, have been increased to prevent fires, and announcements have been made to raise public awareness,” read a statement from the General Directorate of Forestry, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported.
It added that smoking, lighting fires, and camping in forests without permission are prohibited, and forestry authorities are “monitoring forests 24/7 for potential fires.”
Wildfires in Turkey are commonplace in the summertime but have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, compounded by the effects of climate change.
“Climate change is no longer a future threat, but a reality we’re currently experiencing,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.
On Friday, Turkey suspended shipping in the busy Dardanelles Strait as it fought a large fire in the northwestern Canakkale province.