Wildfires in Türkiye, Greece spark tourist concerns, security measures taken

The summer of 2024 has brought with it a series of intense wildfires across Türkiye and Greece, causing widespread concern among residents, tourists, and expatriates.

With temperatures soaring and dry conditions prevailing, both countries have faced significant challenges in controlling these fires.

The escalating number of wildfires has led to fears about the safety of popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean region. Celebrities have canceled holidays, and tourists are reconsidering their plans due to the increasing risk of heat waves and fires.

However, authorities in Türkiye and Greece are working tirelessly to contain the fires and implement measures to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors.

Fires during summer of 2024 in Türkiye

Türkiye is battling numerous forest fires across various regions. In Usak, a fire started on Tuesday evening around 6:30 p.m. in Akbulak village. The fire quickly spread from agricultural fields to forest areas due to strong winds.

Firefighters brought it under control after 40 hours of intense efforts from both ground and air teams. Helicopters and a fleet of vehicles were used to combat the blaze. Residents from 26 homes in three neighborhoods were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.

In Bursa’s Iznik district, a fire broke out near the municipal waste disposal area and quickly spread because of windy conditions. Firefighters are still working to control the fire with both aerial and ground interventions.

Manisa’s Soma district faced a forest fire near Karacakas village, which started at around 2:30 p.m. The fire spread quickly due to wind but was brought under control in approximately five hours. Firefighting efforts included eight airplanes, two helicopters, and various ground vehicles.

In Izmir’s Karaburun district, a fire erupted in Kuyucak at around 3 p.m. Firefighters responded rapidly with three airplanes, one helicopter, and multiple ground units, leading to the fire’s containment.

Further fires occurred in Izmir’s Urla and Balikesir’s Ayvalik districts. Firefighters successfully controlled these fires with extensive measures. In Ayvalik, the fire that started at a waste dump site spread to a nearby forest area. Regional fire departments and aerial support combined efforts to bring it under control.

Fires during summer of 2024 in Greece

Greece is also facing numerous wildfires across different regions. In the Varympompi area, a fire broke out on Wednesday and burned throughout the night. Firefighters and civil protection teams worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent flare-ups. The fire damaged homes and businesses, prompting evacuation orders for several areas.

Another fire occurred in the Schisto area of Korydallos, burning through low vegetation. Thirty firefighters, two groups of ground units, seven vehicles, and two helicopters tackled the fire.

In the Markopoulo Mesogeas region of Attica, a fire started near a supermarket, threatening nearby homes. The firefighting response included 65 firefighters, ground units, 23 vehicles, four aircraft, and two helicopters. These efforts ensured the fire was controlled.

A new fire also broke out in Aspropyrgos, Attica, early Thursday morning. Twenty-five firefighters, a ground unit, eight vehicles, and one helicopter mobilized to extinguish the fire, demonstrating the swift response by Greek authorities.

Tourist concerns about visiting Mediterranean, Aegean

Tourists worry about visiting the Mediterranean due to the increasing number of wildfires every year. Celebrities have canceled holidays because of heat wave and fire risks.

Wildfires raise concerns about the safety of popular tourist destinations like the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions.

Measures, precautions against fires in Mediterranean, Aegean

Türkiye and Greece have implemented extensive measures to combat these fires. Türkiye’s response includes a coordinated effort involving multiple firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles.

The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry monitors and manages fire incidents. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance due to ongoing high temperatures and wind conditions.

In Greece, the Hellenic Fire Service deploys significant resources, including firefighters, ground units and aerial support, to control and extinguish fires. Collaboration between local authorities, civil protection, and volunteer organizations plays a crucial role in managing these incidents.