Forest fire in Balıkesir continues into second day: 9 neighborhoods affected, 5 injured

A forest fire that began in a non-forest area in Gömeç, Balıkesir, raged into its second day, fueled by strong winds that propelled the flames into surrounding pine forests. The fire, which ignited near Kumgedik Neighborhood in Gömeç, rapidly grew and spread, prompting an immediate response from multiple emergency services.

Balıkesir Governor's Office reported that the fire impacted a total of nine neighborhoods: four in Gömeç, four in Ayvalık, and one in Burhaniye. In response to the encroaching flames, partial evacuations were carried out in the Hacıveliler, Tıfıllar, and Bağyüzü neighborhoods of Ayvalık as a precautionary measure. Residents were relocated to the Ayvalık KYK Dormitory, and approximately 720 livestock were moved to safety. Some farm structures in Tıfıllar Neighborhood sustained damage, with gendarmerie and AFAD teams working to rescue the animals.

Efforts to combat the fire are extensive, involving 6 aircraft, 7 helicopters, 56 fire engines, 40 fire trucks, 57 water tankers, 13 bulldozers, 25 construction machines, 3 TOMA (water cannon vehicles), 8 ambulances, 920 personnel, and 60 forest volunteers. The scale of the response underscores the severity of the situation.

Balıkesir Governor's Office stated that five individuals sustained injuries during the firefighting operations: two from the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality fire department, one from the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, one from the Forest Management Directorate, and one civilian. All injured parties were taken to Ayvalık State Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries. While the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, announced that the fire was largely under control, teams continue their efforts to fully extinguish the blaze.