ISTANBUL, Jun 30 (NNN-TRT) – Wildfires broke out yesterday, in three locations across Türkiye’s western province of Izmir, prompting evacuations of a number of residential homes.
The fires originated in the districts of Menderes, Selcuk, and Cesme. Firefighters are combating the blaze under challenging windy conditions, using both aerial and ground interventions.
The whole Camonu neighbourhood and several homes in the forest area of Menderes, were evacuated due to their proximity to the flames.
Meanwhile, a fire in a grassy area led to the temporary closure of the highway connecting Izmir to the popular holiday resort of Cesme.
The blaze also posed a threat to Selcuk, which is renowned for its ancient city of Ephesus, one of Türkiye’s most visited tourist destinations.
Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence announced on social media platform X that, three Cougar-type helicopters and two CH-47-type helicopters from the armed forces have been deployed to support ongoing firefighting efforts in Izmir.– NNN-TRT
