Wildfires continued to ravage the western Turkish province of İzmir for a second consecutive day, prompting mass evacuations and disrupting air travel, as emergency crews battled relentless flames intensified by hot, dry winds.
The fires, which broke out in the Kuyucak and Doğanbey regions of İzmir, have rapidly spread due to gusts of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Authorities responded with an expansive firefighting operation, deploying more than 1,200 personnel including 600 forest workers. The firefighting fleet consists of 11 aircraft, 27 helicopters, over 280 water trucks, as well as heavy equipment and support vehicles.
At least four villages and two neighborhoods were evacuated as a precaution, with some sources reporting up to ten settlements affected. Homes in the districts of Seferihisar and Doğanbey were among those destroyed or threatened by the advancing flames.
The intense blaze forced a temporary shutdown of İzmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport on Sunday, leading to canceled and diverted flights. Hundreds of passengers were stranded, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the fire beyond the immediate danger zones.
Investigations into the cause of the fires are underway. In Foça, one individual was arrested on suspicion of arson using gasoline. Officials are also examining the possibility of high-voltage power line failures and negligent agricultural waste burning as potential triggers. Nationwide, Turkish authorities have detained at least 17 individuals in connection with recent wildfire incidents.
Emergency response efforts have been hampered by thick smoke and strong winds, which complicate aerial firefighting operations. Despite the challenges, firefighting teams remain actively engaged on multiple fronts to bring the situation under control. Several personnel have been treated for smoke inhalation, with two requiring hospitalization.
In one notable rescue operation, a 70-year-old man in a wheelchair was successfully evacuated from a burning home in Seferihisar, showcasing the perilous conditions and swift response of emergency teams.
The fires are part of a wider environmental crisis across southern Europe, driven by a record-breaking heatwave and prolonged drought conditions. Experts warn that such extreme weather patterns, exacerbated by climate change, are making wildfires more frequent and severe during summer months.
With high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds expected to persist, authorities are bracing for several more days of elevated fire risk. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation orders as the emergency response continues.