A wildfire has spread to residential areas in Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city by population, according to Turkish media reports on Friday night. Authorities stated that three neighborhoods in the Karşıyaka and Bayraklı districts have been evacuated, while 16 buildings have been damaged by the fires. They added that no injuries have been reported.
The wildfire, which began late Thursday, quickly spread to residential areas due to winds reaching speeds of 50 km/h during the day. Thick smoke nearly covered the entire city, turning the sky orange and gray, as shown in images broadcast by Turkish media.
Additionally, animal rights activists evacuated a stray dog shelter. Turkish news channel NTV reported that strong winds made it impossible for water-dropping helicopters to intervene at night. As part of the response efforts, firefighters from several Turkish cities have been sent to the area, and the military and police have also been mobilized.
