It is forbidden to enter the forest in Kocaeli!

Kocaeli Governorship shared the decisions taken against forest fires by the Kocaeli Province Forest Fire Fighting Board between May 15 and November 1.

The decision stated that entry to forested and maquis areas determined as sensitive according to the fire risk map is prohibited between May 15 and November 1. The governorship stated in its statement, "Except for picnic, recreational forest park and nature park areas, it is prohibited to have barbecues etc. with fire, to bring and use materials that may cause fire such as lanterns, torches, fireworks etc. and to stay in all kinds of forested areas. In officially registered picnic, recreational forest parks and nature parks, in forest areas sensitive to fire, the operator of a real person, company, institution etc. must keep at least 2.5 tons of mobile water tankers ready or have water tanks with a 3-ton water reserve to be used in case of fire, have hydrophores with sufficient pressure and have hoses that can reach the farthest point of the area ready."

LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN

In the statement, it was stated that it is prohibited to light fires for 24 hours in areas adjacent to the forest within the borders of Kocaeli and within a distance of 4 kilometers from the forest, such as burning stubble and similar vegetation, ground fire, cleaning of vineyards and gardens, etc.; It was reported that the Forest Management Directorate will take legal action against those who burn stubble or vineyard and garden residues, grass, branches, etc. in the neighborhoods mentioned in Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law, and in cases where legal action cannot be taken, the relevant institution will initiate action for an administrative fine.

'THE TEAMS WILL FOLLOW THE DECISIONS CAREFULLY'

The decisions taken by the board are as follows: "Agricultural machinery in the villages, especially balers and combine harvesters, will be checked frequently by the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry and a 50 kg fire extinguisher will be kept ready against fire. It will be ensured that the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry will write to the municipalities and neighborhood headmen regarding the issue of not burning stubble and that it will be announced through regular announcement means and social media accounts. Necessary training will be given to the public regarding not burning stubble in rural areas. It is forbidden to use ATV, UTV and similar vehicles outside of the previously determined areas in forest areas. National, international sports and eco tourism uses will be made on the routes determined by the Forest Management Directorates and permission will be obtained in advance. During the movement of water trucks, trailers, fire first response team vehicles, service vehicles and other vehicles going to the fire to the fire scene, the forest fire operation center will inform the Gendarmerie and Provincial Police Department news center about their passage through the provinces on the road and the vehicles going to the fire will be informed during the traffic lights and radar applications of the vehicles going to the fire, exceeding the speed limit due to force majeure. "No fines will be imposed on combat vehicles and priority will be given to their passage and escort support will be provided by the police department and gendarmerie when necessary. Teams consisting of security units and forest conservation officers and assigned to mobile surveillance work will meticulously monitor the implementation of the decisions taken."

RISKY FORESTS AND MAQUI AREAS

According to the fire risk map, the forests and maquis areas that are determined to be sensitive to fire and whose entry is prohibited are as follows: "Çamkonak Maritime Pine, Kefken Maritime Pine, Kefken Stone Pine, Kerpe Maritime Pine, Babaköy Maritime Pine, Research Forest Maritime Pine, Mudarlı Maritime Pine, Kargalı Maritime Pine, Yağcılar Maritime Pine, Kadıllı Stone Pine-Black Pine-Coastal Pine, Balçık Special Afforestation, Çınarlı-İlimtepe Maritime Pine-Black Pine-Stone Pine-Cedar-Oak, Akse Special Afforestation, Güzeller Cedar and Stone Pine, Hereke Maritime Pine-Scrub, Tavşanlı Stone Pine-Scrub, Gaziler Mountain Maritime Pine, Beylikdağı Stone Pine-Cedar, Kayapınar Stone Pine-Scrub, Fatih Maquis, Tavşancıl Maquis, Oluklu Red Pine, Maşukiye Black Pine, Suadiye Black Pine-Chestnut, Servetiyekarşı Black Pine-Oak, Nusretiye Maritime Pine, Safiye Maritime Pine, Akçat Maritime Pine-Oak, Pazarçayırı Plane Tree, Fulacık Red Pine-Black Pine, Kızderbent Black Pine, Sultanorhan Maquis, Eskihisar Maquis."

Source: DHA