Thousands Evacuated in Turkey Due to Wildfires

Wildfires have been raging in western Turkey for the third consecutive day, fueled by strong winds and high temperatures.

Over 130 fires have erupted across the country in the past week, according to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

While most fires have been brought under control, eight major blazes continue to impact the provinces of Izmir, Aydın, Manisa, Karabük, and Bolu.

Thousands of firefighters have been battling the blazes on the ground and from the air, supported by numerous aircraft and hundreds of emergency vehicles.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from affected areas, although no injuries have been reported, as stated by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli during a press briefing on Saturday.

Yumakli attributed the intensity of the fires to low humidity, strong winds, and soaring temperatures.

The General Directorate of Forestry has issued a warning to residents against starting outdoor fires over the next ten days due to the severe weather conditions in western Turkey, highlighting a 70% increased risk of wildfires.