Forest Fires Rage in İzmir’s Çeşme and Ödemiş, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Massive forest fires have erupted in İzmir’s Çeşme and Ödemiş districts, spreading rapidly under strong winds. Emergency teams are engaged in relentless air and ground firefighting efforts, while evacuations and transport disruptions escalate. In Ödemiş, the body of an 81-year-old man was found in a burned home, marking a tragic fatality.

Winds Drive Blazes Across Villages

The fires, which began on July 1st, initially broke out in Çeşme’s Ildır neighborhood, starting in agricultural land and quickly extending to woodlands and residential areas due to powerful gusts. As flames approached homes, Ildır was evacuated, followed by Germiyan, Karaköy, and Nohutlu villages.

By morning, 2 planes, 6 helicopters, 39 fire trucks, 14 water tankers, and 4 bulldozers were deployed. Local volunteers joined the fight as the flames continued to threaten new zones.

Transportation Severely Disrupted

Due to the spreading fire, İzmir–Çeşme Highway was shut in both directions, with Zeytinler toll booths closed heading toward Çeşme and Alaçatı booths on the return route. Alternative access to Çeşme is now only possible via Karaburun and Ildır through the İYTE junction.

Three Ödemiş Neighborhoods Evacuated Overnight

Meanwhile, in Ödemiş’s Tosunlar neighborhood, fires flared up by evening and quickly expanded toward Suçıktı and Köseler. Despite night-long interventions, fires raged out of control, leading to the evacuation of all three areas.

Come morning, additional 2 aircraft, 9 helicopters, 35 fire trucks, 9 water tenders, and 4 dozers joined the battle.

Tragedy in Suçıktı: Elderly Man Dies

During evacuations in Suçıktı, a home was discovered completely burned down, and the body of 81-year-old İbrahim Erkan—a bedridden resident—was found. Reports suggest his wife left to seek help as flames approached. Authorities have launched an investigation.

Governor Elban: “We Aim to Contain It Soon”

İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban provided an update, confirming that 9 aircraft and 22 helicopters, alongside over 6,000 personnel and 110 land vehicles, were engaged in battling the twin fires. Elban stated:

“We’ve had no indication of arson. The Ödemiş fire began last evening. We evacuated two villages and rescued 37 stranded residents. Sadly, one elderly man could not be saved. Efforts are ongoing with full force.”

He praised the tireless work of disaster teams, noting many responders have not slept for days. “We hope to share good news soon,” he added.