Wildfires rage in western Turkey as high winds hamper efforts to contain flames

Heavy winds of more than 60mph hampered efforts to contain fast‑moving wildfires in Turkey’s western Izmir province on Sunday (June 29), as hundreds of firefighters battled to protect homes and infrastructure. Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said more than 1,000 personnel, supported by 11 aircraft and 27 helicopters, were deployed to fight the fires. Three people were hospitalised for smoke inhalation but were later discharged. The fires forced the evacuation of four villages and two neighbourhoods as a precaution. Local footage showed civilians joining emergency crews to stop the flames from reaching residential areas. Smoke from the fires also led to temporary flight suspensions at Izmir's international airport. Authorities have yet to confirm the total area affected.