Rescuers in Turkey have evacuated more than 50,000 people, primarily from the western province of Izmir as firefighters continue battling multiple wildfires, the AFAD disaster agency reported Monday.
The largest fire erupted Sunday in Seferihisar, a forested area about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Izmir. Fueled by winds reaching up to 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour, the blaze rapidly spread through forested zones.
“A total of over 50,000 citizens from 41 settlements have been temporarily relocated to safe areas,” AFAD announced on X, adding that 79 people suffered smoke inhalation or other fire-related ailments, though none were in serious condition.
Of those evacuated, 42,300 were from Seferihisar, where dramatic footage showed vast flames engulfing forests and black smoke billowing into the sky. Overnight, the fire destroyed around 20 homes, leaving only their walls standing, according to private TV network NTV.
In the seaside village of Urkmez, residents felled trees to create firebreaks in a desperate attempt to protect their homes as the flames advanced, a witness told AFP.
“Unfortunately, the wind is continuing to blow very strongly,” Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said Monday afternoon. The Turkish State Meteorological Service had issued warnings about strong winds over the weekend.
Firefighting efforts and additional evacuations
More than 1,000 personnel, including four planes, 14 helicopters, and 106 fire trucks, have been deployed to combat the fires, Yumakli added.
AFAD also reported the evacuation of 3,000 residents from Manisa, located 40 kilometers north of Izmir, and 1,500 people from the southern Hatay region. In Hatay, firefighters are tackling a blaze about 10 kilometers north of Antakya with four helicopters, 211 fire engines, and 540 firefighters.
Approximately 850 others fled from two additional wildfires in northwestern Turkey.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on X that authorities arrested one individual accused of starting a wildfire near Izmir by setting fire to their own residence with gasoline. “The suspect is alleged to have set fire to their own residence, which subsequently caused a forest fire,” Tunc said, without providing further details.
Since Friday, Turkey has recorded 263 wildfires. Of these, 259 are now under control, while firefighting efforts continue on four remaining fires, the agriculture and forestry ministry reported.
Izmir airport, which temporarily suspended flights Sunday due to the fires, has since resumed operations.
So far this year, wildfires have devastated nearly 19,000 hectares of land across Turkey, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
Experts warn that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires and other natural disasters, urging Turkey to implement stronger preventive measures.
AFP
