Cleaning Fire in Hazelnut Garden Spreads to Forest: 300 Trees Burned

In the Döşe Sırtları area of Gökhasan village, Alaplı district, Zonguldak, a citizen's fire to clean weeds in a hazelnut garden got out of control due to wind and spread to the surrounding forest. The flames quickly turned into a large wildfire. Fire trucks from Alaplı and Ereğli Forest Management Directorates and Alaplı Municipality fire brigades were dispatched to the scene. Until the teams arrived, local residents and some journalists at the scene intervened with their own means to prevent the fire from spreading. The fire was brought under control after intense efforts by forest and firefighting teams, and cooling operations began.

Approximately 300 hazelnut trees and 1 hectare of forest area were damaged in the fire. After cooling operations, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible. The incident once again highlighted how dangerous cleaning activities in hazelnut gardens can be. Experts warn that burning dry grass, especially in summer, poses a great risk. Citizens need to be more careful and authorities should increase inspections to prevent such fires.

The teams fighting the fire made great efforts to prevent the flames from spreading to the forest. The strong wind in the area caused the fire to spread rapidly. Fortunately, no loss of life occurred, but the extent of material damage raised concerns. Hazelnut producers are expecting support to replant the damaged trees. Forest General Directorate teams are conducting detailed damage assessment in the area.

The incident also brought to the agenda the inadequacy of measures against forest fires in the region. Citizens state that more awareness campaigns are needed, especially in rural areas, regarding fire risk. Authorities announced that legal action has been initiated against the person who started the fire and the investigation continues. It is emphasized that deterrent penalties should be applied to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The fire caused great fear in Gökhasan village and its surroundings. Villagers stated that if the fire had grown, their homes could have been threatened. Fortunately, thanks to the rapid intervention of the teams, it was brought under control before spreading to residential areas. Gendarmerie teams have also launched a comprehensive investigation. Efforts to remedy the environmental damage caused by the fire are ongoing.