2025 İzmir wildfires

Since June 2025, wildfires in Turkey have broken out in İzmir Province in the west. These were ignited due to record breaking temperatures and strong winds. Following the wildfires more than 50,000 residents were evacuated from nearby areas like Seferihisar, Menderes, Kuyucak, and Doganbey^[where?].

Causes

The extreme heatwave that came across Europe, had a severe influence on the province of Izmir, with abnormally high temperatures that were 5–10 °C above seasonal norms, with low humidity levels.^{[1][failed verification]}These temperatures were followed by strong winds of 40–50 km/h (25–30 mph). These winds have pushed the fires through forested and residential areas.^[2][3] Initial investigations showed a combination of potential human and electrical causes, including suspected power line malfunctions and one arrest linked to intentional ignition.^[4][5]

Affected areas

The wildfires have burned several districts in Turkey including Seferihisar, Menderes, Kuyucak, and Doganbey. Due to the fires İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport suffered damasges and was temporarily closed because of the heavy smoke.^[6][7] Residential areas, agricultural land, and forested were all impacted by the fire, with entire villages evacuated.^[8]

Response

The emergency response of the Turkish authorities included more than 1,000 firefighters, supported by more than 100 fire trucks, 14 helicopters, 4 water-bombing aircraft, 84 pieces of heavy machinery, and dozens of other vehicles. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) led coordination efforts, overseeing evacuations and relief operations across at least 41 affected settlements.^{[citation needed]}

Regional impact

The wildfires led to the evacuation of more than 50,000 people, with more than 42,000 evacuees coming from Seferihisar alone.^[9] It was reported about large scale property damage, that includes destruction of several villages, rural houses, farms and businesses. No fatalities were reported, but dozens of people suffered from smoke inhalation.^[1][3]

See also

• 2025 European heat wave
• Climate change in Turkey