A forest fire in the Marmara province of Balıkesir, which was initially determined to have been caused by picnickers, was brought under control on Aug. 8, after having blazed through the night, an official has said.
Flames destroyed 20 hectares of pine forest in Turkey’s Mount Ida National Park before being contained by firefighters.
“According to a preliminary determination, the blaze stems from a picnic fire,” Balıkesir Forest Directorate head Metin Kırcı said.
Kırcı also stated that 40 hectares in total had been damaged by the fire.
“We will immediately plant trees in the burned area,” Kırcı added.
Around 200 firefighters, seven firefighting helicopters and 16 fire engines tackled the fire, which broke out near the Edremit district.
