New fires broke out and were partially controlled on Saturday evening, August 17, in the province of Izmir, Turkey's third largest city by population, located on the west coast of the country, the authorities announced.
Forest fires broke out in the districts of Menderes, Bayindir, Tire and around the resort town of Cesme, Izmir Mayor Cemil Tugay said, adding that firefighters were controlling the flames in Cesme.
The fire that has been threatening Izmir for three days has also been partially brought under control, despite the fires that persist in the forest areas.
“Our friends have put so much effort into fighting the flames. You could say that these fires have lost momentum.”said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, referring to the disasters near Izmir and three other cities in the north and west of the country.
Seven people suspected of being linked to the outbreak of the forest fires were arrested in the province of Izmir, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced.
Azerbaijan has sent a water bomber plane to Turkey to help its ally, the Turkish presidency announced.
Animals killed
Several buildings and vehicles in the industrial zone of Örnekköy, a district in the northern suburbs of Izmir, were charred, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported earlier in the day. Gray smoke continued to rise behind the industrial zone where firefighters were still trying to control the flames.
“It’s been burning for three days. We don’t know what to do. Our workplace is in the heart of the fire. We’ve lost our livelihood.”Hanife Erbil, 48, who collected plastic waste and paper for a living, lamented to AFP. “Everyone is working hard. I am currently on my thirty-sixth hour of service. (…) We can say that the fire is partially under control”said Arjin Erol, a firefighter from Izmir.
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Between Örnekköy and Sancakli, another district affected by the fire, the once green peaks with their pine forests are now charred. “It was such a beautiful drive, it smelled like pine everywhere. It makes me want to cry.”regretted Ayhan, a taxi driver.
Three helicopters, grounded overnight from Friday to Saturday due to strong winds, were spraying water on the peaks of Sancakli where the fire continues to wreak havoc.
Several wild animals, as well as cats and dogs, died in the fire, with no human casualties reported. Sixteen buildings were damaged by the fire, affecting 78 people, 29 of whom had to be hospitalized, the Turkish Health Ministry said; 900 residents of the five affected districts were evacuated overnight, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
Largest fire of the summer in Türkiye
“The total area affected is approximately 1,600 hectares”said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. Intervention at the point where the fire started is difficult due to “steep valleys”the minister said.
The fire, which started on Thursday evening, quickly spread to residential areas due to winds reaching 50 km/h during the day. Firefighters were sent to help from several cities in Turkey, while the army and law enforcement were mobilized.
Five other fires continue to ravage forest areas in other cities of Turkey, notably in Bolu (northwest) and Aydin (west).
The Izmir fire is the largest this summer in Turkey. Fifteen people were killed in June in a vegetation fire that broke out near Mardin, a city in the southeast of the country.
Source: Lemonde
