A wildfire started in the Munzur Valley National Park in Dersim after Turkish army fired mortars on the forest area on Tuesday.

The wildfire is effecting the forest area between Geyiksuyu, Sin, Halbori and Karsilar villages. The fire is spreading with strong winds.

According to eye witnesses the fire was started by Turkish soldiers based in Karşılar military outpost who fired mortars on the forest area. The locals claim that Turkish army deliberately uses mortars and howitzers to start fire in Dersim’s forests.

Turkish army prevented the fire department from intervening until 12 pm. The firemen were able to start efforts to put down the forest fire after Tunceli Governorate’s permission.

Civilians also join the fire crew’s fight against the wildfire.

A forest fire broke two days ago for the same reason and the villagers were able to take the fire under control.

Last July a huge wildfire, which continued about 2 weeks, turned 400-hectare forest area to ashes in the same area.