According to the nation’s crisis management organisation, more than 50,000 people have been evacuated as flames continue to rage across western Turkey, especially in the province of Izmir.
The flames have quickly expanded into residential and forest areas due to drought-like conditions, high winds, and scorching temperatures, necessitating extensive firefighting efforts and immediate evacuations.
The majority of individuals affected were from cities and villages in and around Izmir, where several homes and farmlands have already been devastated, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). While rescue crews strive to guarantee the safe evacuation of residents and cattle, firefighters are fighting the fires around-the-clock with the help of water-dropping aircraft and aeroplanes.
Authorities have also issued air quality warnings due to thick smoke engulfing the region, urging people to stay indoors or wear protective masks. No casualties have been reported so far, but officials remain on high alert as new fires continue to spark under extreme heat conditions.
The Turkish government has pledged full support for affected communities and has launched an investigation into the causes of the fires, with arson not ruled out as a possibility.
