Fires that have devastated forests near the third-largest city in Turkey, Izmir, over the past four days have been mostly contained, according to authorities on Sunday. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated that while efforts to extinguish remaining hotspots are ongoing, the fires are now largely under control in the area. He also mentioned that firefighters have successfully contained the flames in a valley and that there is no longer any risk to the city. The fire in the Yamanlar area of Izmir has been brought under control, Yumakli informed reporters.
There were new fires that broke out in Izmir province on Saturday, with one threatening the Cesme seaside resort, but it was also contained without any injuries due to the prompt evacuation of residents. Flames are still affecting steep valleys around 20 kilometers south of Izmir, but they are spreading at a slower pace, said Yumakli. The Urban Planning Minister, Murat Kurum, reported that at least 43 buildings were damaged in Izmir and 26 people were hospitalized for injuries related to the fire. Some wildlife, including cats and dogs, perished in the fire, but no human casualties have been reported.
Experts have linked the increase in extreme weather events like heatwaves to climate change, making wildfires more likely, longer-lasting, and more intense. The fire in Izmir began on Thursday and quickly spread to residential areas due to strong winds blowing at 50 kilometers per hour. Firefighters from various towns, as well as the army and police forces, were mobilized to combat the blaze. In addition to Izmir, there are currently five other fires raging in forested areas in different cities across Turkey, including Bolu in the northwest and Aydin in the west. The Izmir fire is the largest seen in Turkey this summer.
Back in June, a fire in Mardin in southeastern Turkey claimed the lives of 15 people. Investigations and efforts continue to address the impact of wildfires on affected areas.
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