624 fires in a week
In recent years, Turkey has been facing devastating forest fires every summer. Fires erupting in various regions have caused long-term damage that will affect future generations, while also raising new debates over whether the response efforts are sufficient.
This week, fires broke out in more than 600 locations across Turkey. The longest-lasting fires occurred in forested areas.
Hatay
On June 30, a forest fire began in the Antakya district of Hatay and continued for two days. The fire, which started in Karaali neighborhood for reasons yet unknown, quickly spread to six other neighborhoods due to strong winds.
In its latest statement, the Hatay Governor’s Office reported that out of 597 inspected buildings, 553 were undamaged, 25 had minor damage, and 4 were severely damaged.
İzmir, Seferihisar
A forest fire that started on June 30 between Kuyucak (in Menderes district) and Orhanlı (in Seferihisar district) was only brought under control after three days. The flames, which reached residential areas, left behind significant destruction.
Large portions of forests in Doğanbey—the point of origin—as well as in Orhanlı, Kavaklıdere, and Ürkmez were burned. In addition to mandarin groves, many agricultural lands were also damaged. Drone footage shows a blackened layer now covering the region.
İzmir, Çeşme
A fire that broke out in an agricultural area in İzmir’s Çeşme district on July 2 quickly spread to nearby forests due to strong winds. Firefighting efforts were severely hampered by the intensifying wind conditions in the region.
İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban stated that they believe the fire was caused by an electrical line. The fire, which reached the Urla district yesterday, was reported to have been brought under control by midday today. Some roads in the area still remain closed to traffic.
İzmir, Ödemiş
On July 2, a fire started in Tosunlar, a neighborhood in Ödemiş district of İzmir, and later spread to nearby residential areas. Evacuations were carried out throughout the night in several neighborhoods.
After checking affected areas, firefighters discovered the body of an 80-year-old bedridden patient. Additionally, a firefighter lost his life while battling the blaze. By the night of July 3, the fire had intensified and was still out of control due to strong winds. Ödemiş Mayor Mustafa Turan said that evening: “We are right in the heart of helplessness.”
İzmir, Buca
On July 3, a fire broke out in the Buca district of İzmir due to a welding machine being used for repairs in a factory. The fire quickly spread to forested areas in the Kaynaklar region.
Buca Mayor Görkem Duman stated that the fire could not be contained due to strong winds. As of last night, the fire was still not under control. Efforts are ongoing.
Manisa, Akhisar
A fire that broke out on June 28 in Karaköy, a neighborhood of Akhisar in Manisa, lasted for three days. Multiple neighborhoods were evacuated due to the risk of the fire reaching residential areas.
The investigation revealed that the fire had started from a flame lit by a beekeeper to calm his bees with smoke. The suspect was arrested.
Manisa, Turgutlu
A fire that started on July 2 in the Turgutlu district of Manisa spread as far as the Kemalpaşa district of İzmir. It was brought under control after five hours of intervention. Reports state that 250 hectares of land were damaged and 4 houses were affected.
Cooling efforts continue in the area to prevent reignition.
