Western Turkey Battles Massive Wildfires, Thousands Evacuated

Western Turkey is facing a severe wildfire crisis that has led to the evacuation of nearly 4,000 residents, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). The wildfires have ravaged large areas, prompting emergency response efforts in the resort city of Izmir on the Aegean coast.

Efforts to combat the blaze were hampered by strong winds, but on Saturday, helicopters and water bombers were deployed to fight the fires, as reported by broadcaster NTV. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 900 residents were evacuated overnight from five districts in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city.

AFAD reported that evacuations also took place in other affected areas: 1,430 people were relocated from Izmir, 1,475 from Manisa, 516 from Bolu, and 550 from Aydin. The wildfires, which have burned through 1,600 hectares (3,950 acres) of agricultural and forested land, resulted in a total of 131 separate incidents over the past week.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli revealed that 17 residential homes were destroyed overnight, and 105 houses along with 44 workplaces were evacuated in Izmir’s Yamanlar neighborhood. He added that firefighting efforts continue with two planes and 11 helicopters actively working to contain the flames.

In connection with the wildfires, six individuals have been detained on suspicion of sabotage, with two arrests in Izmir and four in Bolu, Yumakli stated.

Wildfires are a recurring issue in Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean regions, especially during the dry summer months. The Mediterranean has also been hit hard this year, with Greece experiencing its worst wildfires near Athens, resulting in at least one fatality.

Experts attribute the increase in extreme weather events, including wildfires and floods, to climate change, which is exacerbating these natural disasters globally.