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Turkey's Coastline Scorched: Firefighters Battle Fierce Wildfires
31 Jul
Summary
- Hundreds of Turkish firefighters are battling wind-driven wildfires near coastal tourist areas.
- Five individuals, including three firefighters, sustained injuries in the Balikesir province.
- Villages and thousands of cattle were evacuated as fires spread rapidly near Ayvalik.
Turkish firefighters are engaged in a critical battle against fast-spreading wildfires along the Mediterranean coast, fueled by strong winds.
In the Balikesir province, emergency services are working to contain blazes near Ayvalik, Burhaniye, and Gomec. These efforts involve hundreds of firefighters, water-bombing planes, and helicopters. The fires have resulted in five injuries, including three firefighters, a forestry official, and a civilian, all of whom are receiving hospital treatment.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of three villages near Ayvalik, a popular tourist destination situated opposite the Greek island of Lesbos. Approximately 720 cattle have also been moved to safety. The Agriculture Minister confirmed that 163 out of 169 fires tackled nationally since Wednesday have been brought under control, though some hotspots reignited.
Recent weather patterns, including heavy winter rains, had previously offered protection against early wildfires. However, a combination of man-made climate change and a potential El Nino phenomenon raises global concerns for an intensified wildfire season.
