Forest Fires In Izmir Turkey Spread To Near Settlements, Residents Evacuated

PHOTO via X Governor Izmir Söleyman Elban @drsuleymanelban

JAKARTA - A forest fire in Izmir province, Turkey, which was exacerbated by strong winds, spread near residential areas. The evacuation of residents was carried out.

The fire in Izmir began on Thursday 15 August evening in the Karsiyaka district. Firefighters are currently trying to extinguish three separate fires in northwestern Turkey.

Governor Izmir Suleyman Elban said the fire in Karsiyaka continued in four to five different areas despite efforts to extinguish it by using planes, helicopters, and other vehicles.

Handling is difficult because it is very close to residential areas. Until now there have been no casualties," Elban said.

We received information that several houses were on fire. Because currently the wind speed reaches 80 kilometers (49.71 miles) per hour, we often have to stop handling the air," he said.

Footage at local broadcasters showed flames engulfing several lands, approaching apartment buildings and roads in Karsiyaka, with black smoke rising over forests and cities.

A fire in northwestern Turkey broke out in Ecoabat district in the province of Canakale, Goynuk district in Bolu province, and in the Gordes district in Manisa province.

Previously, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli said the fire in Canakale which was triggered by an electric pole on the side of the road was successfully extinguished. Efforts to extinguish the fire in Bolu continue.

He warned of the high risk of forest fires in the next three days due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds.

The governors of the provinces of Canakale and Bolu said several villagers had been evacuated as a precaution, but there was no direct threat to residential areas.

The coastal area of Turkey, especially in recent years, has been hit by forest fires, as summer has become hotter and drier, this is linked to climate change by scientists.