Turkey - July 18, 2024

Authorities in Turkey are tirelessly battling wildfires that have erupted across the country, committing day and night to extinguish the flames until the last ember is snuffed out. The firefighting efforts have been particularly focused on the Gaziemir and Buca districts of Izmir, where both aerial and ground interventions are ongoing.

"We are exerting every effort to bring the fires under control using all available resources," emphasized Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı. The response has mobilized a significant deployment, including 14 aircraft, 30 helicopters, 103 ground vehicles, and 647 personnel dedicated to fighting the blazes in Izmir's Buca, Kütahya's Gediz, and Balıkesir's Altıeylül areas.

"Our battle against forest fires continues unabated," Minister Yumaklı affirmed, underscoring the urgency and scale of the operation to contain and suppress the fires from both the air and ground.