Wildfires are raging across five Turkish provinces, affecting 78 people in Izmir, as firefighters work tirelessly to contain the flames. The fire, which erupted in the Karsiyaka district on Thursday, was ignited by a campfire built by three people picnicking near an area of forest. Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli reported that while the fire has subsided and residential areas are no longer at risk, the remaining flames continue to burn in a remote valley that is difficult to access, as reported by Reuters.
The blaze in Izmir had previously threatened residential areas, leading to damage to homes and businesses, and prompting evacuations. Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay confirmed that sixteen homes and thirty industrial sites were destroyed. The health ministry reported that 78 people have been affected by the fire.
Footage showed helicopters and planes actively dropping water on the flames, while firefighters continued their ground efforts. The wildfire also remains a concern in the western provinces of Aydin and Manisa, as well as the northern provinces of Bolu and Karabuk.
The General Directorate of Forestry has issued a warning about the high risk of wildfires across 12 provinces over the next ten days due to high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Turkey’s coastal regions have been increasingly vulnerable to wildfires in recent years, which the scientists link to climate change.