A fierce wildfire erupted on Turkey's western coast, threatening residential areas in the Izmir province and forcing evacuations as the flames spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Dangerously Close to Residential Zones
According to Ziare the blaze, which started on the evening of August 15 in the Karşıyaka district, has left local authorities struggling to contain it despite the deployment of aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles.
Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban reported that the wildfire continued to burn across four to five different areas, prompting the evacuation of a nearby village.
"The situation is challenging as the fire is dangerously close to residential zones. Fortunately, no lives have been lost so far," Elban stated.
He added that several homes had been destroyed by the flames, and firefighting efforts had been hampered by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, sometimes grounding aerial operations.
Apartment Buildings Burning
Local television broadcasts showed dramatic images of the fire encroaching on apartment buildings and roads in Karşıyaka, with thick smoke billowing over the city.
The cause of the Izmir fire remains unknown, but it has added to the strain on Turkey's firefighting resources, as crews are also battling separate wildfires in the northwestern provinces of Canakkale, Bolu, and Manisa.
In Canakkale, a fire sparked by a roadside power pole was extinguished, while the blaze in Manisa has been partially contained.
The fire in Bolu, however, remains active. Turkey's Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, warned of a heightened risk of wildfires in the coming days due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.
