Firefighters in Turkey continued battling wildfires for a second straight day on Monday in the western province of Izmir, as strong winds fuelled the flames, according to the forestry minister and local media.
Wildfires in Kuyucak and Doganbey areas of Izmir were fanned overnight by winds reaching 40-50 kph (25-30 mph), and four villages and two neighbourhoods had been evacuated, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.
Helicopters, fire-extinguishing aircraft and other vehicles, and more than a thousand people were trying to extinguish the fires, Yumakli told reporters in Izmir.
Media footage showed teams using tractors with water trailers and helicopters carrying water, as smoke billowed over hills marked with charred trees.
Turkey’s coastal regions have in recent years been ravaged by wildfires, as summers have become hotter and drier, which scientists relate to climate change.
Flight Operations Suspended
The massive wildfire that erupted in Izmir, one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, led to the temporary suspension of flights at Adnan Menderes Airport on Sunday.
The blaze rapidly swept through the Seferihisar district and surrounding areas, regions celebrated for their scenic beauty and coastal allure, escalating fears among both residents and visitors.
As towering flames devoured the nearby forests, thick plumes of smoke engulfed the skies, severely reducing visibility and posing serious safety risks.
Authorities were forced to halt both domestic and international flights, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers.
Among the affected routes were flights to key European hubs such as London Stansted, Dublin, and Brussels, leaving travellers stranded at the airport for several hours.
Mass Evacuations
The situation quickly worsened as the fire reached residential zones, prompting emergency evacuations across the region.
At least 10 communities were evacuated as firefighters struggled to contain the rapidly advancing blaze, driven by powerful winds and soaring temperatures.
Both locals and tourists were hurriedly moved to safer areas as the fire threatened homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure.
This devastating wildfire forms part of a broader crisis sweeping across Turkey, which is grappling with a surge in wildfires during an exceptionally hot summer.
Authorities have reported a total of 77 wildfires nationwide, with 53 of them devastating dense forest areas.
The scale and speed of these fires have alarmed officials and environmentalists, as the country faces mounting challenges linked to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
Emergency teams continue to battle the fires on multiple fronts, while officials have urged the public to remain alert and comply with evacuation orders as efforts to bring the blazes under control persist.
(With inputs from Reuters)
