The forest fires started by the genocidal practices of the Turkish state in Dersim continue to burn in 18 areas in the central Ovacik, Hozat, Pülümür and Nazimiye districts. The people’s reaction to the foest fires in the Dersim centrum and Nazimiye, Hozat, Ovacik, Çemişgezek and Pülümür districts is also growing.

The fires have raged on for over a week now, and when state forces refused to intervene a 50 person group of activists went to the Kutudere area to attempt to put the fires out. State forces prevented the group from accessing the area.

AREAS ON FIRE

The forest fires continue in the following areas:

* Ovacık district: Yaylagünü village, Sepkan forests, Kozluca village.

* Tunceli centrum areas: Sarıtaş village, Geyiksu village, Kutudere Stream, Roj Stream, Bali Stream.

* Hozat district: Amutkan area, Çakmaklı village, Dere village.

* Çemişgezek district: Ekerek Stream.

* Pülümür district: Kızılmecit village, Kırmızı Köprü village, Dereboyu village, Uzuntarla village.

* Nazimiye district: Doğantaş village, Ramadan village.

In Geyiksu, Roj Stream and Doğantaş areas, the fires are spreading.

VILLAGERS PUT OUT THE FIRE IN LİCE

Meanwhile, a forest fire had broken out yesterday after “Kobra” type helicopters fired on the rural areas of the Dibek (Dêrxust) village in Amed’s Lice district. Reports say the villagers managed to control the fire by their own means.