Over 50,000 evacuated as wildfires rage for second day in Turkiye’s Izmir

More than 50,000 people have been evacuated as firefighters battle large wildfires for a second consecutive day in Turkiye’s western province of Izmir, local authorities said Monday.

"A total of over 50,000 citizens from 41 settlements have been temporarily relocated to safe areas," AFAD wrote on X, saying most of them were from fires raging near the western resort of Izmir.

Four villages and two neighborhoods in the areas of Kuyucak and Doganbey were evacuated as flames, driven by strong winds, swept through forested areas near residential zones.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said the blaze intensified overnight, with wind speeds reaching 40–50 km/h (25–30 mph), complicating efforts to bring the fire under control.

Speaking to reporters in Izmir, Yumakli said more than 1,000 personnel were involved in firefighting efforts, supported by helicopters, firefighting aircraft, and ground vehicles.

Operations at Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport were temporarily suspended due to the proximity of the fire, according to Turkish media.

Television footage showed helicopters dousing flames from above while teams on the ground used tractors with water tanks to contain the fire. Thick smoke covered the sky as charred trees and scorched hills marked the trail of destruction.

Wildfires are a recurring threat in Turkiye during the summer months, often exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the current blaze.