Turkey Begins To Use UAV for Forest Fires
“For the first time, we will use UAVs to detect forest fires in this year” said Minister Pakdemirli.
In a written statement, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry announced 3 fundamental strategies for fire fighting, stating “First strategy is prevention, namely providing fire prevention trainings to raise awaraness. We shall remember that of all, 88% of the forest fires are human-induced ve to reduce this ratio, we must ensure training, awareness and attention.”
According to the statement by the Minister, the second strategy is prevention, this time for early detection, rapid and effective intervention. Pakdemirli said, “This year we will make the most of UAVs in fire detection. We monitor our forests through 776 fire lookout towers around the country. Thus, we are immediately alerted in case of fire and promptly respond to the fires with the help of our first response team deployed in 1,140 posts, which has resulted in reducing first time response to 12 minutes.”
Emphasizing that the final strategy is based on rehabilitation, that is, reforestating areas that are burnt, Pakdemir also added, “We reforest burnt areas in the first reforestation season, which is in the same year as the fire happened. In accordance with the Constitution, we grant no permission to use of these areas for other purposes. While reforesting, we are also attentive to the protection of original tree species.”
