Firefighters are working to contain wildfires raging in three provinces of northwestern Turkey, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced late Thursday night, adding that the situation appeared to be developing positively.

Fourteen planes, 31 helicopters and 265 ground vehicles are participating in the firefighting efforts, along with 1,400 forest personnel, Yumakli said.

The fires broke out in Eceabat district of Canakkale province, Goinuk district of Bolu province and Gordes district of Manisa province.

So far it is not clear what caused the fires.

“In all three ongoing fires, the (firefighting) process is going well. God willing, I hope to give you good news tomorrow (Friday) and tell you that all three of our fires are over,” he said.

In video images from the three fires, flames and black smoke can be seen billowing over forests and towns. Residential areas are not at risk from the flames, local officials assured.

Canakkale Governor Omer Toraman said some districts in three villages were evacuated as a precaution, but there was no threat to residential areas.

Bolu Governor Erkan Kilic said, according to state media, that about 1,000 hectares of land had burned so far and that three villages had been evacuated as a precaution.

The fire in Manisa, which broke out yesterday, Wednesday, is burning today for the third day.