A massive fire is raging in the coastal province of Izmir in western Turkey. High temperatures and strong winds are making it difficult to fight the fire. The fire has destroyed many homes. Fires have also been reported in three other regions of the country.
The fire in Izmir broke out on Thursday (15 August) in the Karsiyaka district for unknown reasons, Reuters news agency reported. The governor of the province, Suleyman Elban, said the fire broke out in five different places. Fighting the fire is difficult because of strong winds and high temperatures. Helicopters are taking part in the extinguishing operation. Some residents of the Karsiyaka district have been evacuated, and many houses have been engulfed in flames.
– There have been no fatalities reported so far – Elban said. – We have received information that some houses have burned down. The wind is currently blowing at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, so we often have to stop extinguishing from the air – he said. He added that efforts will be intensified if the wind weakens.
Fire near IzmirReuters
Fires in Turkey
It is not only in Izmir that firefighters are battling the blaze. Fires broke out earlier this week in Eceabat district in Canakkale province, Goynuk district in Bolu province and Gordes district in Manisa province.
Turkish media reported flames engulfing large swaths of forest and smoke rising over cities.
Firefighters have also partially contained the fire in Manisa. The forestry minister said the fire in Canakkale, which is under control, was caused by a faulty roadside electricity pole. It is unclear what caused the fire to break out in other places.
High risk of fires
The services are warning of a high risk of fires, which will occur for the next three days. All because of high air temperature, low humidity and strong wind. – All state institutions are on the highest alert – assured the head of the ministry.
Fire in Izmir ProvinceMehmet Emin Menguarslan/Anadolu/ABACAPRESS.COM/PAP
Main image source: Reuters