Daijiworld Media Network - Ankara

Ankara, Aug 24: A large forest fire that broke out in the Mamak district on the outskirts of the Turkish capital Ankara spread across a wide area and threatened nearby residential neighbourhoods, prompting a major firefighting operation.

The fire broke out at around 6 pm on Sunday in a wooded area along Hüseyingazi Türbe Road in the Basak neighbourhood. It quickly spread across a large area, raising concerns that the flames could reach nearby homes.

Firefighters, forestry teams, police and emergency personnel were deployed to the area after residents alerted authorities. Ankara Metropolitan Municipality said 47 vehicles and 148 personnel, along with 20 water tankers and four construction machines, were involved in the firefighting operation.

The blaze was brought under control after around eight hours of firefighting, according to Turkey's General Directorate of Forestry. Cooling operations continued in the affected area to prevent the fire from reigniting.

Ankara Governor's Office said a person suspected of causing the fire had been identified and detained. An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

Authorities maintained security measures in the area while firefighting operations were underway to prevent the flames from spreading towards residential areas.