03-07-2025
One person dead, villages evacuated as wildfires rage in western Turkey
IstanbulcTypeface:> At least one person has died in ongoing wildfires sweeping through the western Turkish province of Izmir, as strong winds and extreme heat continue to fuel the flames, state media reported on Thursday.
Emergency crews battled the blaze through the night, with firefighting aircraft joining efforts at first light on Thursday.
The fire, reportedly sparked by a faulty power line in the coastal town of Ildir on Wednesday, spread rapidly due to high winds and dry conditions. Flames threatened the popular Aegean holiday resorts of Çesme and Alaçati, prompting authorities to evacuate three villages.
According to Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban, several homes were damaged, while a section of the highway leading south had to be closed temporarily as flames approached from both sides The General Directorate of Forestry said six planes, 16 helicopters and dozens of vehicles and bulldozers were fighting the fires. (DPA)
