IZMIR – The fires that have been ravaging for four days in the province of Izmir were brought under control, Turkish authorities announced on Sunday.
The fire that broke out Thursday evening in Izmir, the third most populous city, has quickly threatened residential areas. Fortunately, it was partially controlled by Saturday evening, despite the persistent wildfire in other places.
“There is no risk in the section overlooking the city as firefighters trapped the fire in a valley. Thank God, the fire raging from Yamanlar to Izmir is now under control. Our cooling efforts will continue,” announced Sunday the Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Ibrahim Yumakli.
Among the new eruptions of fire that broke out Saturday evening, the one which affected the seaside resort of Cesme was brought under control without causing any casualties since the residents were immediately evacuated, said the minister.
Nevertheless, fire slowly continues devastating the steep valleys of Menderes district, located 20 kilometres away from the south of Izmir, he added.
According to Urban Planning Minister Murat Kurum, 29 people had to be hospitalised, and 43 buildings were damaged. Regrettably, several wild and street animals perished in the fire.
Meanwhile, firefighters were sent, and the army was mobilised to reinforce a number of cities in Türkiye, especially since five fires are still ongoing in different forests across the country, namely, Bolu (northwest), Aydin, Manisa, Usak (west), and Karabuk (north), according to the authorities.
