A forest fire that began late on Thursday in the Karsiyaka district of the west coast province of Izmir forced some residents to evacuate their homes because it posed an immediate threat to residential areas.
Firefighters’ task has become more difficult due to strong winds and dry conditions. Image: Sercan Ozkurnazli/AP Photo/picture alliance
A village has been evacuated, according to Izmir Governor Suleyman Elban, who also stated that despite efforts to contain the fire with the use of planes, helicopters, and other vehicles, it is still present in the Karsiyaka district.
Over a thousand firemen were battling the blaze.
“Because it is so close to residential areas, the intervention is getting harder. Thus far, no one has lost their life,” Elban stated. “We have information that some houses burned. Since there are winds of up to 80 kilometers (49.71 miles) per hour now, we often have to stop the aerial intervention,” he said, adding efforts would intensify if and when winds eased.
