Turkish forestry minister says Izmir wildfire under control, no immediate danger to residential areas

The intensity of the forest fire in Turkiye’s western Izmir province has been reduced, and there is no immediate threat to the city, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on Saturday, Anadolu reports. Referring to the ongoing firefighting efforts, Yumakli said that 69 of the wildfires across Turkiye have been brought under control, while six remain active. Speaking to reporters in Izmir, he emphasized that the current situation does not warrant an international call for assistance. Both fires in Izmir’s Karsiyaka district originated in forested areas, and were likely caused by a campfire by three picnickers, he said. Despite the region experiencing unpredictable winds, Yumakli expressed relief that no lives have been lost in any of the fires. […]