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Disaster in Izmir: Massive fires force evacuation!
Emergency services are fighting devastating fires in Izmir. Evacuations and return to normality after airport closures.
Disaster in Izmir: Massive fires force evacuation!
The forests are burning in the Turkish province of Izmir and the fires are spreading rapidly thanks to strong winds. Radio Ennepe Ruhr reports that the emergency services have been trying tirelessly since last night to bring the flames under control. The fires are raging over a distance of around 12 kilometers and have already forced several villages and neighborhoods to evacuate. Fortunately, 21 people who were treated for smoke inhalation have now been released from hospital.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Four aircraft and 14 helicopters are being deployed to bring the situation under control. This proves to be urgently necessary because the situation is tense. A fire broke out in a forest between the communities of Menderes and Seferihisar, while another fire broke out in a garbage dump in Gaziemir. Several vehicles were destroyed by the flames.
Airport closures and evacuations
The fires even led to the temporary closure of the airport in Izmir, which is now back in regular operation. Mirror points out that the evacuations were carried out as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents. The emergency services are still on alert to secure the burned region and prevent further damage.
Last year, Turkey experienced an alarming number of forest fires. Loud Hurriyet 3,797 fires were caused by negligence, carelessness or intent. Over 27,484 hectares of forest were set ablaze, with Izmir the worst affected region. With 397 fires and a loss of over 9,175 hectares of forest, a worrying picture emerges that was also repeated in other provinces such as Muğla, Antalya and Şanlıurfa.
The frequent fires are a serious reminder of the need for more preventive measures. Around 16,000 violations of environmental laws have been identified in Turkey in recent years, underscoring the urgency of more effective fire prevention measures.
While the emergency services in Izmir continue to fight, the population remains concerned about the next development of this devastating situation. It remains to be hoped that the flames can be extinguished soon and those affected are safe.