Wildfire Crisis in İzmir: Two Dead, Dozens Evacuated as Flames Rage Across Three Districts

İzmir, Türkiye – Devastating wildfires that erupted across İzmir’s Ödemiş, Buca, and Çeşme districts have killed two people, including an elderly man trapped in his home and a firefighter who perished while on duty. Thousands of personnel are engaged in a massive firefighting operation by land and air, with 624 wildfires reported nationwide in the past week alone.
Lives Lost in Ödemiş: Firefighter and Disabled Resident Trapped
The flames in Tosunlar village of Ödemiş spread rapidly due to high winds, claiming the life of 81-year-old İbrahim Erkan, who was bedridden and unable to evacuate. His wife had reportedly left the house to seek help.
In a tragic turn, firefighter İbrahim Demir (39), who was dispatched from Konya, lost his life when his vehicle broke down and he was engulfed by flames. The Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı confirmed both deaths and declared Demir a “martyr of duty.”
Four Villages Evacuated, Buca and Çeşme Under Siege
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In Çeşme, the fire began in Ildır and spread to residential sites.
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In Buca, flames near Zafer Mahallesi expanded dangerously toward Gaziemir, with evacuations considered.
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Yeniköy, Demirciyanığı, Ortaköy, and Karadoğan were all evacuated as precautionary measures.
The İzmir-Aydın highway, previously shut down due to advancing fires, has been reopened, though smoke and winds remain a concern.
Winds Hamper Efforts, Source of Buca Fire Identified
Minister Yumaklı revealed that the Buca fire was triggered by sparks from welding in a local factory. He criticized the negligence, stating, “This carelessness is inexcusable, especially after repeated warnings.”
High winds, dry air, and soaring temperatures have made firefighting extremely difficult. Yumaklı emphasized:
“Just one spark is enough to undo all our efforts. We urge citizens to refrain from lighting fires through mid-October.”
Nationwide Fire Situation: A Scale Without Precedent
In a statement from the Forest Fire Management Center, Minister Yumaklı reported:
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3,044 wildfires occurred in the first half of 2025 — 1,305 in forests and 1,739 in other areas.
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624 wildfires erupted in just the past 7 days; 621 were successfully contained.
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52,000 tons of water have been dropped by air sorties, and over 25,000 personnel are involved in operations.
“This is the largest ground and air wildfire response in Republic history,” said Yumaklı.
Çeşme Blaze Contained, Ödemiş and Buca Still Burning
As of the latest update:
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The Çeşme wildfire has been brought under control following aerial intervention.
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Ödemiş and Buca fires remain active, with round-the-clock efforts continuing.
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One firefighter is reportedly in critical condition and intubated due to smoke exposure.
Calls for Unity and Caution Amid National Emergency
Yumaklı also condemned disinformation that undermines firefighting morale, stating:
“We are on the frontlines. Don’t demoralize those risking their lives.”
Emergency warnings remain in place as meteorologists predict ongoing high fire risk in the coming days due to strong winds and low humidity.