site.btaForest Fire Hits Maltepe on Istanbul's Asian Side near Residential Neighbourhood

A fire broke out at noon Monday in a wooded area near the Maltepe region, which is located in the Asian part of the Istanbul metropolis.

The fire was very close to the densely populated neighbourhood of Zumrutevler.

According to the Demiroren News Agency, the flames quickly flared up under the influence of the strong wind that was blowing, and in a short time reached the residential areas and threatened to engulf the houses around.

Thick clouds and sparks from the flames covered the sky, visible from the neighbouring areas of Pendik and Izmit, the agency said.

Many firefighters and teams were dispatched on location to control the fire, as well as ambulances.

The cause of the fire is not known.