STORY: Wildfire sweeps Turkish city, forces hundreds to evacuate
SHOOTING TIME: Aug. 17, 2024
DATELINE: Aug. 18, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:40
LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of forest fire reaching the city center, fire brigades intervening in burning houses in Izmir, Türkiye
2. various of airplanes and helicopters fighting fires
3. various of Ibrahim Yumakli, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister, speaking


STORYLINE:

A forest fire that erupted in Türkiye's western port city of Izmir has reached residential areas, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate, local media reported Saturday.

The fire that started in the Karsiyaka district entered its third day, and spread to residential neighborhoods and an industrial site in the early morning hours, leading to the evacuation of three neighborhoods, said the NTV broadcaster.

The Hurriyet daily reported that the number of evacuated citizens has reached 900. Citing Health Ministry data, NTV said there were no reported casualties. Firefighting teams intensified their efforts at dawn.

Additionally, social media posts reported that the fire had reached animal barns, urging city residents to help rescue the animals. Photos shared online showed officials and volunteers carrying dogs in their arms to safer zones.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli warned citizens that very low humidity, extremely high winds, and high temperatures are expected for the entire coming week. He advised that, if possible, no fires should be lit outside enclosed areas.

Yumakli also informed reporters on the scene on Saturday morning that there were 72 fires across the country, with 45 under control and efforts going on to address the remaining 27.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Istanbul, Türkiye.
(XHTV)