ANKARA: Firefighters are continuing to combat a severe forest fire in the Aegean resort city of Izmir for a third consecutive day, Turkish media and officials reported on Saturday. Hundreds more residents were evacuated overnight as the blaze remained out of control.
Strong winds, reaching speeds of 50 kilometers per hour, have exacerbated the fire, which began on Thursday and quickly spread to residential areas. Although helicopters and water bombers were temporarily grounded due to these winds, they resumed operations on Saturday morning, according to NTV news.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 900 residents from five affected districts in Izmir were evacuated overnight. The city’s skies have been obscured by thick smoke, creating a grey haze and a persistent smoky odour, as reported by AFP.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli reassured the public that two planes and eleven helicopters were actively involved in fighting the fire. He emphasized that residents should not be overly concerned, despite the significant impact on the area.
The fire has already affected approximately 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres) of land. In addition to the Izmir fire, six other forest fires are burning in different regions of Turkiye, including the northwestern city of Bolu and the western city of Aydin.
Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves and forest fires.
