Wildfires reach homes in Izmir, evacuations start as blaze intensifies
Wildfire has reached to the residential areas in İzmir. (Photo via X)
Firefighting efforts are ongoing in Izmir’s Karsiyaka district after a wildfire broke out in the Yamanlar Karatepe area on Thursday evening. The fire has continued to spread due to strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, forcing authorities to temporarily halt aerial firefighting operations.
Governor Elban provides latest updates
Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban shared the latest developments, stating, “We have temporarily stopped aerial operations due to wind speeds reaching 80 km/h. Despite these challenges, our efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing. The fire is active in over four areas, but there is currently no significant risk. We have evacuated one village and several homes in the region. As of this morning, six fires were reported in our area, five of which have been extinguished.”
Karsiyaka district Yamanlar Neighborhood, starting on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at 9:43 p.m., and ending on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024. The fire, which was brought under control at 7:15 p.m. started again at 9:30 p.m. as cooling efforts were under way on Thursday, 15.08.2024, due to the increase in flames caused by sudden winds, and our teams continue to intervene in the ongoing fire from air and land, and the urgent evacuation of our citizens affected by the fire continues.
İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban
Intense firefighting efforts continue
Both aerial and ground teams are working to control the blaze. The challenging conditions due to strong wind have made firefighting efforts difficult, particularly for helicopters battling the flames from above. Smoke from the fire has blanketed the city center, and the strong winds have prolonged efforts to bring the fire under control.
The fire has already caused significant damage. Three homes in Dogancay neighborhood were destroyed as the flames spread, and the neighborhoods of Doğançay and Sancaklı have been evacuated. Additional firefighting teams have been dispatched to the area as the situation remains critical.
The scale of the response is massive, with five planes, six helicopters, 67 water tanks, and numerous other vehicles and personnel involved in the firefighting efforts.
