With the arrival of summer, the most beautiful forests of Turkey has began to burn one after the other. Wildfires have broken out in Kas, Dalaman, Tarsus and Genç. Most recently, the bitter news came from Marmaris… what drew attention was that none of the fires that took place during June were interfered with by firefighting aircraft…
Firefighting aircraft which are used as the biggest solution around the world in fighting forest fires, are not used in Turkey. The planes, which were due to take up duty on June 1, have so far not been seen responding to any fires. Helicopters are used from air and water trucks are used on land to put out the fire.
The ministry which did not allow ready-to-fly 6 aircraft of Turkish Air Authority to enter tender, failed to obtain aircraft from abroad, as well. The Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture had opened tender, making one of the most expensive leases in the world, leasing 3 aircraft for TL 1.3 million per day. However, according to the contract, the Russian Beriev 200 type aircraft, supposed to start work on June 1, did not arrive in Turkey. Industry experts who closely follow the issue, claim that the planes were not sent due to non-payment of 2 planes leased through a company called CMC last year.
THREE YEARS OF STUBBORNNESS
Turkey, which has resisted using ready aircraft of the THK, cannot find as many planes as it planned to fight forest fires from the air for 3 years. Turkey, which had a season without a plane in 2019, suffered big losses. Last year, the Ministry tendered for 4 aircraft, but was able to supply 2 aircraft. This year, there were also tenders for 5 aircraft, but only 3 could be found.
THK CANNOT PARTICIPATE WITH ITS OWN PLANES
After successfully fighting forest fires for nearly 30 years, THK Turkish Air Authority) has been unable to participate in tenders with its own aircraft for two years. The aircraft in the hands of the THK have a capacity of 4,900 liters of water, but for two years the specification has a minimum requirement of 5 thousand liters. 100 liters is being used as an excuse and domestic facilities are being thrown in the trash.
(SOURCE: sozcu.com.tr/2021/gundem/nerede-bu-yangin-sondurme-ucaklari-6508638)
