Wildfires have been spreading across western Turkey for the third consecutive day, fueled by strong winds and hot temperatures, as reported by authorities. The Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate of Turkey stated that over 130 fires have erupted in the country over the past week, with most now under control, except for eight major blazes in provinces including Izmir, Aydin, Manisa, Karabuk, and Bolu.
Thousands of firefighters are working to extinguish the fires on the ground and from the air, utilizing numerous aircraft and hundreds of vehicles in the emergency response efforts. While thousands of individuals have been evacuated from the affected regions, there have been no reported casualties, according to Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, who briefed reporters while visiting the impacted provinces.
Minister Yumakli pointed out that the fires have been worsened by low humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures. The General Directorate of Forestry has advised against lighting fires outdoors for the next 10 days due to the prevailing weather conditions in western Turkey, warning of a 70% increased risk of wildfires.
Concurrently, authorities in Bolu have detained four individuals in connection with the fires, leading to the arrest of two and the release of the other two. In a separate incident back in June, a fire swept through settlements in southeast Turkey, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 people and leaving many others in need of medical attention.