Fires that have devastated forests near Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir, for the past four days are largely under control, authorities reported on Sunday.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated that while efforts to extinguish remaining hotspots are ongoing, the flames are now mainly contained. “There is no risk to the city itself. Firefighters have managed to contain the blaze in a valley. Fortunately, the fire in the Yamanlar area of Izmir is under control now,” Yumakli told reporters.
A new fire that broke out on Saturday in the province of Izmir, threatening the coastal resort of Cesme, has been successfully controlled without any injuries, thanks in part to the swift evacuation of residents, according to the minister.
Flames continue to affect steep valleys about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Izmir, but the spread is slower now, Yumakli noted.
The blaze has caused damage to at least 43 buildings in Izmir, and 26 people have been hospitalized with injuries related to the fire, as reported by Urban Planning Minister Murat Kurum. While wild animals, cats, and dogs have died as a result of the fire, no human casualties have been reported.
Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events, including heatwaves, to climate change, which heightens the risk of wildfires.
The Izmir fire, which began on Thursday, spread rapidly into residential areas due to winds reaching speeds of 50 kilometers (30 miles) per hour. Firefighters from nearby towns, along with the army and police forces, were mobilized to tackle the blaze.
In addition to the Izmir fire, five other blazes are still active in forested regions of Turkey, including in northwestern Bolu and western Aydin. The Izmir fire has been the largest wildfire Turkey has faced this summer. Earlier in June, a fire in southeastern Mardin claimed 15 lives.
