Türkiye: Izmir still in flames

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A forest fire continues to threaten residential areas in Izmir, Turkey’s third most populous city on the country’s western coast, Turkish media reported on Saturday.

Grounded overnight by strong winds, helicopters and water bombers have resumed their fight against the flames, the NTV news channel reported.

According to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, 900 residents of the five disaster-stricken districts were evacuated overnight.

Sixteen buildings were damaged by the fire, affecting 78 people, 29 of whom had to be hospitalized, the Turkish Ministry of Health announced.

The wildfire, which started on Thursday evening, quickly spread to residential areas due to winds reaching 50 km/h during the day. Firefighters were sent to help from several cities in Turkey, while the army and law enforcement were mobilized.

The Izmir wildfire is the largest wildfire of summer 2024 in Turkey, threatening urban areas.