Forest fires have been raging across the regions of Aydın, Manisa, and Bolu in Turkey, causing widespread devastation as firefighting efforts enter their fourth day. Despite the deployment of extensive air and ground resources, including planes, helicopters, and hundreds of personnel, the fires remain largely uncontrolled, threatening both rural and residential areas.
In Aydın’s Bozdoğan district, a fire that began near Alhisar Mahallesi continues to spread rapidly due to strong winds. Authorities have mobilised seven planes, eight helicopters, 32 fire engines, and 303 personnel in a desperate attempt to contain the flames, which have forced the evacuation of several neighbourhoods.
In Manisa, the situation is equally dire. The fires, which started in Gördes district, have now spread to multiple locations, including the Salihli district. The flames have engulfed homes and even a mosque in Karayakup Mahallesi, leading to further evacuations. Firefighting efforts are ongoing with seven planes, 18 helicopters, 61 fire engines, and 500 personnel involved, but the fires show no signs of abating.
Bolu’s Göynük district is also battling a significant fire that has been burning for 45 hours. The rugged terrain has made firefighting efforts particularly challenging, despite the deployment of 11 helicopters, 108 fire engines, and over 1,200 personnel.
The severity of the fires has prompted regional officials to take additional precautionary measures. In Manisa, Governor Enver Ünlü visited the affected areas and announced that the Yunuslar and Çamköy neighbourhoods in Gölmarmara district would be evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, commenting on the ongoing crisis, noted that while 69 forest fires have been brought under control across Turkey, six active fires, including those in İzmir, continue to pose a significant threat. “We are still in a critical period with low humidity, high temperatures, and strong winds creating the perfect conditions for fires. Our teams will remain on high alert until at least 15 September,” Yumaklı stated.
In İzmir, the fires that began in Karşıyaka district have spread to other parts of the city, leading to the evacuation of over 900 people. The fires have destroyed 17 homes and damaged 45 businesses. Despite ongoing firefighting efforts, the situation remains critical, with large parts of the city under heavy smoke.
Minister Yumaklı emphasised that the government is doing everything possible to control the fires, and urged the public not to panic. “There is no need for international calls for assistance. Our teams are capable and will continue to fight these fires day and night,” he added.
As Turkey battles these devastating forest fires, the scale of the damage continues to grow, with thousands of hectares of land already affected and more communities at risk.
