Authorities announced on Sunday that the fires that have devastated forests around Turkey’s third most-populous city Izmir for the past four days are now largely under control. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated that efforts to extinguish remaining hotspots are ongoing, but the flames have been contained in most areas.
“There is no longer a risk in the section overlooking the city. Firefighters have managed to contain the fire in a valley. Thankfully, the fire in the Yamanlar area of Izmir is now under control,” Yumakli reported to the press.
Among the new fires that emerged on Saturday in the province of Izmir, one threatening the seaside resort of Cesme has also been brought under control without causing any injuries, largely due to the swift evacuation of residents, as per the minister. The flames are still burning in steep valleys in a district approximately 20 kilometers south of Izmir, albeit at a slower pace, Yumakli added.
In Izmir, at least 43 buildings suffered damage, and 26 individuals were hospitalized with fire-related injuries, according to Urban Planning Minister Murat Kurum. While wild animals, cats, and dogs perished in the fire, there have been no reports of human casualties.
Experts assert that climate change increases the likelihood, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, heightening the risk of wildfires. The Izmir fire ignited on Thursday and quickly spread to residential areas propelled by 50-kilometer winds.
Firefighters were dispatched from various locations, with the army and police forces also joining the operation. Five other fires are still burning in forested areas in different Turkish cities, including Bolu in the northwest and Aydin in the west. The Izmir fire stands as the largest seen in Turkey this summer.
In June, a fire that erupted in Mardin in southeastern Turkey resulted in the loss of 15 lives.
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