Widespread wildfires have erupted across western Turkey, leading to the evacuation of almost 4,000 residents and the arrest of six individuals on suspicion of sabotage, Turkish authorities said.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that over the past week, 131 wildfires have broken out on agricultural and forested lands in several cities. The resort city of Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest urban centre, has been particularly affected, with 1,430 people evacuated.
According to media reports, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that 900 residents from five affected districts in Izmir were evacuated overnight. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli revealed that 17 residential homes were burned, and 105 houses and 44 workplaces were evacuated in Izmir’s Yamanlar neighborhood alone.
The firefighting efforts have been hampered by strong winds, which initially grounded helicopters and water bombers. However, these aerial resources have since been deployed to combat the blaze. “Currently, two planes and 11 helicopters are continuing to intervene,” Yumakli told reporters. He added that approximately 1,600 hectares (3,950 acres) have been affected by the fires.
Suspected sabotage in Turkish wildfires
In a concerning development, authorities have detained six individuals on suspicion of sabotage related to the wildfires. Two arrests were made in Izmir and four in the northwestern city of Bolu.
Wildfires are not uncommon in Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean regions during the dry summer months. However, the scale of these fires and the number of evacuations highlight the severity of the current situation.
The Turkish wildfires come amid a broader pattern of extreme weather events across the Mediterranean region. Greece, for instance, has recently battled its worst wildfires of the year on the outskirts of Athens, resulting in at least one fatality.
As firefighting efforts continue, Turkish authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders when issued. Further updates are expected as emergency services work to contain the fires and protect affected communities.
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