Ask Mehmet - Recent smoke and ashes on base Published Sept. 15, 2008 By Mehmet Birbiri 39th Public Affairs host nation advisor INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Question: Where is all the smoke and ashes coming from that have been seen all over base during the last couple of weeks? At first, it seemed to be just in the evening. Today, however, I was outside at lunch and could see the smokey haze all over base. Also, the black ashes from whatever is being burnt can be seen floating around. I, fortunately, do not have any medical problems that could be affected by the smoke, however, I do know many who have asthma and other breathing difficulties that I imagine are being aggravated by all the smoke. Response: The smoke and ashes are caused by the farmers who burn their fields. Not only you, but every individual living in Adana area complains about the same issue. We have the same problem twice a year. First in June after harvesting wheat fields and secondly in September after harvesting corn fields. Turkish farmers have practiced burning their fields for centuries. Turkish farmers believe that all harmful insect and their larvae killed and the ash is a fertilizer for the soil. On the other hand, agriculture authorities say burning fields gives more harm than good. Useful insects are also destroyed while burning the fields. The government banned burning fields several years ago, but practice, unfortunately, still continues.