Inferno in Izmir: Battling the Blazes

Firefighters in Turkey's western province of Izmir are engaged in a relentless battle against raging wildfires for a second consecutive day. Fueled by strong winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kph, the fires have already forced the evacuation of four villages and two neighborhoods, according to Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli.

Efforts to control the blaze involve helicopters, fire extinguishing aircraft, vehicles, and more than a thousand personnel. Media footage captures the dramatic scenes of teams deploying tractors with water trailers and helicopters dropping water over the affected areas as tall plumes of smoke rise from charred landscapes.

Turkey's coastal regions have increasingly suffered from wildfires in recent years, as hotter and drier summer conditions persist. Scientists attribute these challenging conditions to the effects of climate change, which have made wildfires more frequent and relentless in Turkey.

(With inputs from agencies.)