Izmir forest fires mostly contained after four days

Fires that have ravaged forests near Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, over the past four days have mostly been contained, authorities stated on Sunday. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced that while efforts to extinguish hotspots continue, the main blaze is now under control. He reassured residents that there is no longer a threat in the area overlooking the city. Firefighters have successfully contained the fire in a valley, particularly in the Yamanlar area of Izmir.

Minister Yumakli also mentioned that a new fire that broke out on Saturday in the Izmir province, which threatened the seaside resort of Cesme, has been controlled without any injuries. This was partly due to the swift evacuation of residents. Although flames persist in steep valleys about 20 kilometres south of Izmir, they are spreading more slowly.

Urban Planning Minister Murat Kurum reported that at least 43 buildings in Izmir were damaged, and 26 individuals were hospitalised due to fire-related injuries. While wild animals, cats, and dogs perished in the fire, no human fatalities have been recorded.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, to climate change, which in turn heightens wildfire risks. The Izmir fire, which began on Thursday, quickly spread to residential areas, driven by winds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. Firefighters from various towns, along with the army and police forces, were mobilised to combat the blaze.

Five other fires continue to burn in forest regions across Turkey, including in northwestern Bolu and Aydin in the west. The Izmir fire is the largest Turkey has faced this summer. In June, a fire in Mardin, southeastern Turkey, resulted in 15 fatalities.