Blazing Battles: Turkey's Fight Against Wildfires Amidst Historic Sites

Firefighters across Turkey are battling multiple wildfires exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions. These fires have threatened significant sites, including World War I memorials. Key areas affected include the Gallipoli peninsula, Izmir, Manisa, and Bolu. Efforts involve extensive mobilization, but authorities warn of challenging conditions ahead.

Firefighters spread across Turkey were on high alert Friday, as dry, hot, and windy weather conditions sparked multiple wildfires. Among the threatened areas were World War I memorials and graves at the historic Gallipoli battle site.

The flames reached the Canterbury Cemetery on the Gallipoli peninsula, where New Zealand soldiers are buried. Images from the scene showed soot-blackened gravestones against a backdrop of scorched earth.

While the fire at Gallipoli was contained by Friday, dozens of other blazes continued to challenge emergency crews, especially on Turkey's west coast and in northwest regions. Izmir, Turkey's third largest city, faced threats of fires spreading from nearby woods to residential areas, prompting evacuations and heightened fear among locals.

In Manisa Province, efforts continued into the third day as fires consumed nearly 80 homes and devastated the village of Karayakup. Simultaneously, firefighters in Bolu worked tirelessly to put out a blaze threatening the region for the second consecutive day.

Turkey has mobilized extensive resources, including dozens of aircraft and thousands of personnel. However, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli warned that despite the substantial efforts, battling the fires successfully requires public cooperation due to extreme weather conditions.

This warning is underscored by the General Directorate of Forestry, which has cautioned citizens against lighting fires outdoors for the next 10 days. Earlier in the week, neighboring Greece also grappled with wildfires, underlining a broader challenge facing the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)