Watch: Massive Wildfires in Turkey
The wildfires have expanded due to strong winds along the border between the Menderes and Seferihisar regions in Izmir province, threatening homes and industrial areas.
The fire began at 10:00 GMT in a forested area in the Seferihisar district, leading to the burning of large areas of vegetation. Thick smoke and flames spread rapidly due to strong winds. Five neighborhoods were evacuated as the fires threatened residential areas.
Firefighting teams are still battling the blazes. Following a cabinet meeting in Ankara, President Erdoğan said: 'Some of the fires in various provinces have been brought under control. Nine fires are still active and are being extinguished. We are responding with our aerial fleet, consisting of 27 planes, 105 helicopters, and 14 drones. Nearly 6,000 water trucks, vehicles, and ambulances are involved in the efforts. A total of 25,000 of our brave personnel are working to put out the fires.'
Erdoğan added: 'Since June 1st, 1,516 wildfires have broken out in Turkey, of which 1,507 have been brought under control.'
He also said: 'Our planes and helicopters have conducted a total of 10,260 aerial sorties, dropping 33,200 tons of water. So far, 31 suspects have been arrested in connection with the fires.'
In the past few days alone, over 260 fires have erupted in forest and agricultural lands across Turkey. Fires have been reported in several western provinces, including Izmir, where the international airport was temporarily closed.
Fires were also reported in the southern provinces of Mersin and Hatay, as well as in the tourist provinces of Antalya and Muğla. The fires have not directly affected tourist areas and pose no threat to tourists.
More than 50,000 people have been evacuated due to the wildfires, particularly in the provinces of Izmir, Manisa (west), and Hatay (southeast), according to the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
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