The Turkish authorities have issued a new restriction for tourists and residents: until August 31, 2022, it is forbidden to visit forests in the country. Such a preventive measure was introduced as part of the program to combat forest fires.
According to a local blogger, it is now better for tourists to stay away from this place. Last year, after powerful fires in many regions of the country, the same fire regulations were in force. The reason for the re-introduction of the prohibition measures is the increase in temperature, strong wind, and lack of precipitation – all three points are known to provoke fires.
“In such weather, grass, bushes, and trees ignite like matches, and the fire is almost impossible to put out – it spreads very quickly, due to which huge territories are burned, causing damage to settlements and residential infrastructure. Not to mention the fact that animals die, large green areas of the forest are destroyed,” the author of the blog wrote.
According to the order, until August 31, tourists and locals are strictly prohibited from entering forest areas, building fires, and making barbecues there. In addition, it is forbidden to use flammable materials, for example, fireworks, etc. Pitching tents outside the campsites are also prohibited.
“According to the estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture, the main causes of forest fires are, of course, human activity: burning dry grass, harvesting gardens, and vineyards, burning garbage, fires at picnics, carelessness and inattention when handling fire, including unextinguished cigarettes, malfunction power lines, lightning, etc.,” she warned. We will remind you that last year, when fires were raging and the fire was reaching hotels, there were enough cases when tourists were detained in forests and all because of suspicion of arson.
It was emphasized that all places with a high level of fire danger will be patrolled by emergency service personnel. Just last week, another fire broke out in the lawns and bushes of evergreen thorn bushes – maquis – in the resort area of Aliaga (a suburb of Izmir), and then in Bayindir. A helicopter and 8 sprinklers intervened in the flames. In the fire, people and territories were affected by smoke.
DIP previously wrote that “Chaos reigns in Marmaris: the head of tourism of the Turkish resort province has been dismissed.”