Türkiye mobilizes major response to Izmir fires: 596 vehicles, 2,965 personnel engaged
People move small cattle away from the area as aerial and ground firefighting efforts continue to extinguish the fire that broke out in the Yamanlar Karatepe area of Izmir's Karsiyaka district, Türkiye on August 16, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun announced on Saturday that efforts to contain the forest fires in Izmir’s Aegean province are ongoing, with 596 vehicles and 2,965 personnel mobilized.
Altun reported that out of 72 nationwide fires, 45 have been brought under control, while work continues on the remaining 27. He reassured affected citizens that the state is fully engaged and coordinating closely to manage the crisis.
Addressing misinformation, Altun urged the public to rely on official statements rather than false reports exploiting the situation.
900 people evacuated
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that 900 people have been evacuated—800 from Karşıyaka and 100 from Bayındır.
The fire, which began late Thursday, has spread rapidly due to strong winds, complicating firefighting efforts.
Strong winds of around 80 km/h (50 mph) temporarily halted aerial firefighting operations in the Yamanlar Karatepe area. Several neighborhoods and an animal shelter were evacuated, and roads to the affected areas are closed with security enforced by gendarmerie and police.
