Five helicopters of a private company based in the Republic of Moldova are taking part in the operation to localize fires in the Mediterranean Sea Region in southern Turkey, the press office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration that is quoted by IPN.

According to Moldova’s Embassy in Ankara, the crews consist of citizens of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. All the 26 crew members are safe and contribute to extinguishing the fires in the forests of the affected regions.

The Ministry said the Moldovans who face a difficult or emergency situation can call the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Ankara on + 90 538 687 21 01 and Moldova’s Consulate General in Istanbul on +90 535 983 01 73.

Over 150 vegetation fires started last week in southwestern Turkey. This is the most serious episode of vegetation fires the last few years, the flames being fueled by the very high temperatures, reduced humidity and high winds. Eight persons perished in the fires, with several thousands being evacuated, including tourists. The fire extinguishing operations involve planes from Spain, Croatia, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.