Fire ravages village in northeastern Turkey

ARTVIN, Turkey

A fire broke out in a village in Turkey’s northeastern Artvin province, damaging at least 35 houses and killing 20 livestock, according to the local governorate on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Artvin Governor’s Office said the fire erupted in the Dereici village of Yusufeli district.

Deputy Interior Minister Ismail Catakli said on social media that the fire has been largely taken under control and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) has sent an emergency aid of 1 million Turkish lira (around $132,000).

The cause of the fire remains unknown, Catakli said.

* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara