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A wildfire has erupted in a forested area near Yenikoy neighborhood in Foca, Izmir province. Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly spread, prompting authorities to increase firefighting efforts.
Emergency response teams dispatched to the scene include four airplanes, six helicopters, 25 fire trucks, seven water tankers, and four bulldozers from the Izmir Regional Forestry Directorate. Additional personnel have been deployed to help contain the blaze.
The fire extended toward residential areas in Kemal Ataturk neighborhood, where flames reached the gardens of summer houses. While trees and vegetation were damaged, no structural damage to buildings has been reported.
Local resident Huseyin Oncu described the alarming situation: “The fire started on the other side of the mountain. We saw the smoke growing as firefighters arrived and left. The flames crossed to the other side of the road, near the stream. We were quite scared. I’m a greenhouse grower, and all my trees burned. It’s not about money, but it’s really sad.”
Efforts to control the fire are ongoing.
Investigations by local gendarmerie indicate that sparks from welding work in a nearby garden may have ignited the fire. Four individuals involved in the welding have been detained.
As a precaution, the Foca-Izmir highway has been closed near the fire zone, and access to surrounding neighborhood roads is restricted to prevent further risks and to facilitate emergency operations.
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