A helicopter with water in the fight to put out fires ravaging Turkey.
Photo: Facebook / Bekir Karacabey
Fires raging on the Turkish Gallipoli peninsula have been brought under control on Friday local time, according to a report.
However, images of the site in northwest Turkey showed soot-blackened gravestones in a scorched garden looking out over the Aegean Sea, the Associated Press reported.
#Gallipoli #Çanakkale Latest update: The fire has been fully contained, though only after great effort by Turkish fire crews. Most of North Anzac sector burnt out. Some spot fires still springing up. pic.twitter.com/ZS9XrRw8Ih
— Bill Sellars (@BillSellars2) August 16, 2024
Forty-five planes and helicopters, along with some 1400 forestry personnel, have been involved in trying to contain the wildfires raging in three provinces, including the major commemoration sites of First World War battles.
About one in six New Zealanders who landed on the peninsula – 2779 people – died.
Officials said the fire was started by a spark from electricity lines that spread through forested areas, AP reported.
The fire on the Gallipoli peninsula was not the only forest blaze Turkish officials were trying to put out however, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said teams were still fighting 17 of 47 forest fires that were active on Friday, AP reported.