Istanbul (TDI): The torrential wildfires occurring in the country’s western Izmir province in Turkey have forced more than 50,000 individuals to be evacuated, with authorities struggling to put out the fast-spreading fire.
The wildfires, which began on Sunday, due to the hot summer weather and dry terrain, have spread to 41 villages in the area and its surrounding regions, becoming one of the most critical wildfire crises that Türkiye has faced this year.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), nearly 19,000 hectares of land have been burned across Türkiye, raising concern among environmentalists and observers.
Turkey’s Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumaklı, reported that winds of 30 to 50 kilometers per hour in Kuyucak and DoÄŸanbey districts fueled the blazes further, making it extremely difficult to contain them.
With the help of firefighting helicopters and aircraft, emergency teams have been working day and night to stop the flames from reaching residential areas and natural reserves.
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As things develop, messages of condolence and concern have started coming from all over the world. Leaders are speaking to the Turkish President and offering support in this difficult time.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued on the social media platform X, expressed his deepest sympathies to the Turkish people and said that he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and damage caused by the fires.
“We hope and pray that the fires are soon brought under control, with minimal loss of lives and property,” he said. “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with our courageous and resilient Turkish brothers and sisters, and stands ready to offer any support required in this time of need,” the PM wrote.Â
Deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires spreading across Izmir province. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan @RTErdogan and the people of Türkiye during this difficult time.
We hope and pray that the fires are brought under…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 1, 2025
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, also voiced his concern, calling the news from Izmir “disturbing,” and promised that Pakistan is prepared to help Turkiye in case of need.
At a time when Turkiye is facing this environmental fallout, Pakistan’s show of solidarity reflects the enduring brotherhood and diplomatic warmth between the two countries.
Experts say climate change, largely driven by human activity, is behind the rise in the number and intensity of such fires. They’ve urged countries like Turkiye to adopt stronger forest protection and climate resilience strategies.
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