Wildfires in Türkiye: Situation Under Control in Izmir

As of August 18, 2024, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli announced that the forest fire in Izmir has been brought under control, with no immediate threat to residential areas, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Out of the 75 wildfires reported across Türkiye, 69 have been contained, while six remain active. The fires in Izmir’s Karsiyaka district, believed to have been sparked by a campfire from picnickers, have seen reduced intensity, despite unpredictable winds.

Yumakli reassured the public that no lives have been lost, emphasizing the importance of vigilance as the high-alert period continues until mid-September. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported 131 agricultural and forest fires nationwide in the past week, leading to the evacuation of 3,971 individuals, including 1,430 from Izmir. Yumakli stated that firefighting teams will remain on high alert, ready to respond to any incidents day and night.