Fire Erupts in Forest Near Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant

A forest fire has broken out in the Gulnar district of Mersin, Turkey, where the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is located. The information was reported by the Sabah newspaper.

"A forest fire has ignited in the Buyukeceli neighborhood along the Mersin-Antalya highway in the Gulnar district of Mersin. Five aircraft, three helicopters, and 300 workers are combating the blaze, and approximately 30 residential homes nearby have been evacuated as a precautionary measure," the publication notes.

It is noteworthy that in March 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan initiated the construction of the third energy block of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. According to the Turkish leader, the project will significantly contribute to strengthening Turkey's energy security and will provide consumers with cheap and environmentally friendly electricity.

Russia and Turkey agreed in 2010 on the construction and operation of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The facility is being built under a concession scheme, where the Russian side is responsible for both the construction and ownership of the foreign facility.