Heat and Wind Drive Large Wildfires Across Turkey’s Western Coast
Firefighters in Turkey battled wildfires for a second day on Monday, as strong winds fanned flames across the western province of İzmir, forcing evacuations and disrupting travel. The blazes spread rapidly through the Kuyucak and Doğanbey areas, with winds reaching 25 to 30 mph, according to Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı. Four villages and two neighborhoods were evacuated as more than 1,000 emergency personnel, including six helicopters and dozens of fire engines, worked to contain the fires.
A significant fire tore through the popular resort town of Foça in İzmir, sending flames toward residential areas and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded after İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport temporarily closed Sunday afternoon. “We expect the next four or five days to be very hot, with strong winds and low humidity. These conditions are perfect for a fire. Everyone’s life is at stake. We must all be extremely cautious,” Governor Süleyman Elban warned.
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Residents watched helplessly as their homes burned; approximately 550 people were evacuated from about 175 houses in the Ilıpınar and Foça districts. Four firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, with two hospitalized. The cause of the fires remains unclear, with one suspect accused of setting fire to their own home, while another possibility involves a high-voltage power line.
Turkey’s coastal regions have suffered severe wildfires in recent years as hotter, drier summers linked to climate change increase fire risks. Environment Minister Murat Kurum said the fires destroyed dozens of houses and farm buildings in Bilecik alone.
Across Europe, countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France are grappling with major heat waves, heightening wildfire dangers and prompting emergency alerts.
