Turkey deploys firefighters to battle wind-driven wildfires in Izmir province

New Delhi: Turkey has mobilised over a thousand firefighters, aircraft, and emergency crews to combat a series of fast-spreading wildfires that have engulfed parts of the western Izmir province, driven by strong winds and scorching summer heat.

The fires, which began on Sunday afternoon in the Seferihisar and Menderes districts, intensified overnight as winds reaching up to 117km/h (75mph) fanned the flames through forested and residential areas. By Monday, four villages and two neighbourhoods had been evacuated as a precaution, and at least 21 people were treated for smoke-related injuries.

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Speaking from the scene, agriculture and forestry minister Ibrahim Yumaklı said more than 1,000 personnel, including firefighters, forestry workers, and volunteers, were engaged in suppression efforts. The operation also involved four planes, 14 helicopters, 106 fire trucks, bulldozers, and water tenders.

Footage from local media showed helicopters dumping water over smoke-covered hills, blackened trees, and gutted homes. In Foça district, more than 550 residents from 175 homes were evacuated, while several homes were destroyed. Emergency services also reported four firefighters suffering from smoke inhalation, with two hospitalised.

A separate fire broke out at a landfill site in Gaziemir, just 13km from central Izmir, threatening nearby industrial areas including the Otokent auto dealership zone. One dealership was seen ablaze in video broadcasts, while businesses in the area scrambled to relocate valuable assets.

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Operations at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport were temporarily suspended on Sunday, causing disruption to flights and leaving hundreds of travellers stranded. Although service has resumed, several departures and arrivals faced extended delays. One flight to London was delayed by nearly 20 hours.

Authorities are also investigating the cause of the fires. One suspect has been arrested in connection with a blaze in Foça, reportedly accused of arson after allegedly setting his house on fire using gasoline. Meanwhile, officials said a high-voltage power line may have sparked another fire, although investigations are ongoing.