İzmir Wildfire Contained After 21 Hours, Hundreds Evacuated Amid Scorching Heat

A devastating wildfire that erupted in the western Turkish province of İzmir on June 25 has finally been brought under control after burning for more than 21 hours, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents and mobilizing a massive firefighting response.

Flames Rage Across İzmir’s Aliağa and Foça Districts

The fire broke out at approximately 12:30 p.m. in a forested zone of Aliağa, quickly spreading toward neighboring Foça due to strong winds and scorching summer temperatures.

Although crews from the regional forestry directorate were dispatched within 20 minutes, the wind-fueled flames rapidly overwhelmed the terrain, threatening residential zones.

“The fire was highly aggressive due to wind and low humidity,” said a local forestry official.

Massive Response Effort Mobilized

In total, the firefighting operation involved:

• Several aerial units, including planes and helicopters

• Water tankers and heavy machinery

• 625 ground personnel battling the blaze from multiple fronts

The Ilıpınar neighborhood in Foça was hardest hit. Authorities evacuated 175 homes and relocated approximately 550 residents as a precaution.

By the morning of June 26, the General Directorate of Forestry confirmed the blaze was finally under control, though cooling operations remain underway to prevent re-ignition.

Initial Cause: Possible Power Line Fault

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial evidence points to a power line malfunction as the likely ignition source—an increasingly common culprit in Türkiye’s summer wildfire outbreaks.

Governor Elban Issues Fire Warning

İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban urged residents to be extremely cautious in the coming days, warning that heatwave conditions could lead to further wildfires.

“The next four to five days will be very hot, with strong winds and low humidity. These are ideal conditions for wildfires,” Elban said.

“Please avoid discarding cigarette butts or lighting fires outdoors. These small actions can have catastrophic consequences.”

Türkiye’s Summer Fire Season Worsens with Climate Change

Wildfires are a recurring and intensifying threat in Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions, where dry summers, strong winds, and rising temperatures are exacerbating fire risk.

Each year, thousands of hectares of forests and farmland are lost, leading to evacuations, ecological damage, and billions of liras in economic losses.

Summary: A Close Call for İzmir

The Aliağa-Foça blaze stands as a stark reminder of the increasing danger posed by climate-fueled wildfires in Türkiye. As the summer heat deepens, residents and authorities alike are on high alert to prevent the next disaster.