Forest Fires in Western Türkiye Brought Under Control
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Forest fires that broke out in several districts across Türkiye’s western provinces have been brought under control, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli announced on Saturday. The affected areas include Izmir’s Karsiyaka and Urla districts, as well as Bolu’s Goynuk district.
Multiple fires erupted across the provinces of Aydin, Izmir, and Manisa, prompting a swift and intense response from firefighting teams. Authorities confirmed that the fires began in Aydin’s Bozdogan district, where both aerial and ground teams have been tirelessly battling the flames since Friday. The fire, which started in the upper parts of the Alhisar neighborhood, intensified as it approached the border of Mugla’s Kavaklidere district, affecting several nearby villages. Precautionary evacuations were carried out in the Ormepinar neighborhood to ensure residents’ safety.
In Izmir province, firefighters have been dealing with fires in three different districts. A major blaze that started on Thursday in Karsiyaka spread rapidly to residential areas and an industrial zone, leading to the evacuation of three neighborhoods. Firefighting helicopters equipped with night-vision technology were deployed to combat the flames overnight, with the operation continuing at dawn with additional support from two planes and seven helicopters.
Further fires broke out on Saturday in Urla’s Balikliova neighborhood and Menderes’ Sasal neighborhood, both located in scrubland and forested areas. Ground crews worked throughout the night, and aerial support was brought in at daybreak to help contain the fires.
In Manisa province, a forest fire that began in Gordes district on Wednesday has now spread to the Salihli and Golmarmara districts. The Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry has mobilized substantial resources, including seven helicopters, 66 fire trucks, and 550 personnel, to fight the fires. Several villages have been evacuated as a precaution.
Minister Yumakli urged residents to remain vigilant and follow the directives of local authorities as firefighting efforts continue. The cause of these fires is currently under investigation.