A ferocious forest fire erupted on Thursday evening in Türkiye's western Izmir province, quickly spreading across multiple districts due to powerful winds.

The blaze, which began in the Yamanlar Karatepe area of the Karsiyaka district, has prompted widespread evacuations and triggered an extensive firefighting operation as authorities battle to contain the flames.

The situation rapidly escalated as strong winds, reaching speeds of approximately 80 kilometers per hour (49.9 miles per hour), hindered initial aerial firefighting efforts. For a significant portion of the day, aircraft were unable to intervene effectively, leaving ground crews to combat the rapidly advancing fire. Despite the deployment of five planes, 15 helicopters, 46 water tenders, 10 water supply vehicles, four bulldozers, and numerous ground crew, the fire continued to spread, consuming large areas of maquis shrubland.

Evacuations were swiftly ordered in several neighborhoods as the fire advanced. An animal shelter in the affected area was also evacuated to ensure the safety of all inhabitants. In response to the growing danger, roads leading to the fire zones were closed, with gendarmerie and police enforcing strict security measures to protect residents and facilitate firefighting efforts.

The fire's intensity allowed it to reach the Ornekkoy Industrial Site, where it caused significant damage to numerous businesses, including a recycling factory and several marble, cable, wood processing companies, and furniture workshops. The impact on the local economy is expected to be substantial, as many of these businesses were key to the industrial output of the region.

As the winds began to subside in the afternoon, aerial firefighting operations resumed with renewed vigor. Helicopters and planes concentrated their efforts on the most intense parts of the blaze, dropping water in an attempt to quell the flames. Despite these efforts, the fire continues to burn in forested areas within the boundaries of Karsiyaka, Bayrakli, and Cigli districts, posing a continued threat to both residential areas and the industrial site.

Thick smoke from the fire is visible from various parts of Izmir province, and some houses and vehicles near the forests have already been damaged. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early reports suggest significant losses.

In addition to forest teams, local municipalities, police, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), and gendarmerie personnel have all joined the firefighting efforts, providing vital support with their vehicles and resources. The scale of the operation highlights the severity of the situation and the urgent need to bring the fire under control.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli has traveled from the capital Ankara to personally oversee the firefighting efforts in Izmir. His presence underscores the national importance of the crisis and the government's commitment to addressing the disaster.

The situation in Izmir remains critical, with firefighters and emergency responders working tirelessly to prevent further destruction. As the fire continues to burn, the focus remains on protecting lives, homes, and businesses from the relentless spread of the flames. (ILKHA)