Wildfires Ravage Western Turkey, Forcing Evacuations

A forest fire in Izmir, Turkey, fanned by strong winds, approached residential areas, prompting evacuations. Firefighters are also combating blazes in northwestern Turkey. High temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have heightened wildfire risks in the region, with several neighborhoods evacuated as a precaution.

A forest fire in Turkey's western coastal province of Izmir, driven by strong winds, is nearing residential zones, compelling evacuations, the local governor reported on Friday, while firefighters also grappled with other wildfires in the north.

The blaze erupted late Thursday in the Karsiyaka district for unspecified reasons, as emergency crews already battled three distinct fires in northwestern Turkey. Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban noted that the fire persisted in four to five locations despite aerial and ground efforts, adding that a village had to be evacuated.

'The intervention is challenging due to its proximity to residential areas. No casualties have been reported so far,' Elban stated. 'However, some homes have been destroyed. Wind speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour are hindering aerial firefighting efforts,' he added, mentioning that efforts would be ramped up if winds subsided. Televised footage depicted flames consuming land, nearing apartment complexes and roads in Karsiyaka, with dense smoke enveloping forests and urban areas.

In northwestern Turkey, fires are raging in the Eceabat district of Canakkale province, the Goynuk district of Bolu province, and Manisa province's Gordes district. Earlier on Friday, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed that the Canakkale fire - ignited by a roadside electricity pole - had been contained and that the Manisa blaze was under partial control. Efforts to extinguish the Bolu fire were ongoing.

Yumakli also cautioned about a significant risk of wildfires in the coming three days due to soaring temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Governors of Canakkale and Bolu provinces stated that several neighborhoods and villages had been evacuated as a preventive measure, though there was no imminent peril to residential areas.

Turkey's coastal regions have increasingly suffered from wildfires in recent years, with hotter, drier summers linked to climate change, according to scientists.

(With inputs from agencies.)