Wildfire near Smyrna forces evacuations as flames reach residential areas
A wildfire that broke out in an olive grove near Çandarli, Smyrna, on Monday afternoon spread quickly across forest land, forcing the evacuation of several settlements as 7 aircraft, 8 helicopters and 35 fire trucks were deployed.
Outbreak and rapid spread
A wildfire ignited shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Monday in an olive grove in the Çandarli neighbourhood of İzmir province, western Turkey. Flames quickly jumped to adjacent woodland, driven by strong winds and exacerbated by drought conditions. Within minutes the fire had advanced toward residential zones, putting several communities at risk.
Response and resources deployed
Fire crews from the İzmir Fire Department and the Regional Directorate of Forestry launched a large-scale air and ground operation. Seven firefighting aircraft and eight helicopters attacked the blaze from above, while 35 water tankers, four bulldozers and dozens of firefighters worked on the ground. Two additional tankers and 45 personnel from the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and surrounding towns joined the effort. Authorities also used bulldozers to carve firebreaks in an attempt to halt the flames’ advance.
- Aircraft
- 7
- Helicopters
- 8
- Fire vehicles
- 35
- Bulldozers
- 4
Communities threatened and evacuated
The fire approached the residential complexes of Yağız Kent, Pelin and Yaylayurt, prompting pre‑emptive evacuations. According to Turkish media, bathers on the coast watched heavy smoke rise from the mountain slope behind them. The Pelin2 housing estate was briefly endangered, but an immediate intervention by municipal and forestry fire crews kept the flames from reaching buildings. No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.
Current status and outlook
As the fire continued to burn uncontrolled, ground crews maintained their efforts through the evening. Aerial operations were suspended at sunset and are expected to resume at first light if conditions allow. The fire has not yet been brought under control, and authorities remain on high alert in neighbouring communities.
