Türkiye has evacuated more than 50,000 people from regions affected by widespread forest fires, with the western province of Izmir experiencing the most significant impact, the country’s disaster management agency confirmed on Monday. According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), fires have broken out across multiple provinces, including Izmir, Bilecik, Hatay, Sakarya, and Manisa.
The scale of the fires has forced the relocation of residents from 41 different settlements to temporary safe zones established by authorities. The evacuations are part of a large-scale emergency response as officials work to contain the rapidly spreading blazes. Türkiye’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, provided updates during a press briefing in Izmir, stating that emergency teams have responded to 263 wildfires across the country over the past three days. He explained that strong winds, particularly in the Kuyucak and Doganbey areas of Izmir, have intensified the situation.
Wind speeds in these regions reached between 40 and 50 kilometres per hour, further complicating firefighting efforts. The fires, which began over the weekend, have engulfed vast areas of forest and agricultural land, threatening residential communities and critical infrastructure. Authorities have mobilized significant resources to combat the blazes, including helicopters, fire-extinguishing aircraft, specialised vehicles, and more than 1,000 personnel. Teams are working continuously to bring the fires under control, with firefighting operations focusing on high-risk zones near populated areas.
AFAD confirmed later on Monday that the majority of those evacuated were residents of areas near the popular western coastal region of Izmir, a province known for its tourist resorts and dense forests. The agency noted that temporary shelters and support services have been provided to those displaced, ensuring access to food, water, and medical assistance. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial reports indicate significant losses to forestry resources and agricultural lands.
No fatalities have been reported so far, but several individuals have received treatment for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. The Turkish government has urged residents in affected regions to comply with evacuation orders and to avoid entering fire zones, as conditions remain dangerous. Authorities have also issued warnings about the risk of new fires due to ongoing high temperatures and strong winds forecasted for the coming days. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation closely as firefighting operations and evacuations remain underway. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.