Forest fires continue to rage across western Turkey for the third consecutive day, with the most severe blaze in İzmir’s Karşıyaka district forcing widespread evacuations and causing significant damage. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı reported that while 69 out of 75 fires have been brought under control, 6 active fires remain, including those in Bolu’s Göynük and İzmir’s Yamanlar regions.The scale of the disaster has escalated, with approximately 4,000 people evacuated across multiple provinces, including İzmir, Aydın, Bolu, Muğla, and Manisa. In İzmir alone, around 900 residents from five affected districts were evacuated overnight, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.The fires have consumed approximately 1,600 hectares of land, with 16 buildings destroyed and 78 people affected, 29 of whom required hospital admission. The firefighting efforts are massive, involving 2 planes, 11 helicopters, and hundreds of personnel. Strong winds, reaching up to 50 km/h, have complicated efforts to contain the blazes.The cause of the fires is under investigation, with human activity suspected in some cases. Six individuals have been arrested on suspicion of sabotage related to the fires. Minister Yumaklı emphasized the need for public vigilance, stating, ‘We are in a period where we need to be careful until next weekend. The high humidity, heat, and strong winds are creating conditions that are almost inviting fires.’ As Turkey grapples with what appears to be its largest forest fire this summer, the government has mobilized significant resources, including military support, to combat the blazes and assist affected citizens. The ongoing nature of these incidents highlights the persistent challenge of wildfires in the region, exacerbated by current weather conditions and potentially linked to broader climate change trends.
Key points
- Approximately 4,000 people have been evacuated due to multiple forest fires across western Turkey.
- 69 out of 75 fires have been brought under control, with 6 active fires remaining.
- The fires have consumed about 1,600 hectares of land, destroying 16 buildings.
- Six individuals have been arrested on suspicion of sabotage related to the fires.
- Strong winds and high temperatures are complicating firefighting efforts.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported numbers of evacuees, with some sources citing 3,000 and others 4,000.
The exact number may be difficult to confirm due to the ongoing nature of the crisis.
