Türkiye: Wildfires in Sakarya, Bilecik prompt evacuations, ongoing firefighting Photo

A forest fire in Sakarya’s Geyve district has led to the evacuation of two neighbourhoods as a precaution.

Meanwhile, in Bilecik’s Pazaryeri district, a fire that started in stubble fields and spread to nearby forests has been largely brought under control, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The blaze near Hacılar neighbourhood began on July 20 and is still being fought by air and ground teams.

A total of 464 personnel, along with dozens of fire trucks, water tankers, bulldozers, and aircraft, are involved in the firefighting efforts. 

Thick smoke lingers as crews continue extinguishing flames and cooling hot spots in evacuated areas. In Taşoluk village, three houses were destroyed before the entire community was evacuated. Residents have also joined in the firefighting efforts.

Mustafa Çam, a resident, said: “We tried to control the fire, but it wasn’t enough. Three homes burned down, and the village was fully evacuated.”

In Bilecik, a fire between Karaköy and Kurtköy spread due to strong winds but was mostly controlled overnight through combined aerial and ground operations. Governor Faik Oktay Sözer said the fire’s intensity has been reduced, and efforts to extinguish it continue.

Kurtköy resident Mehmet Türk, who helped fight the fire, suffered minor burns but received prompt medical aid.

Authorities remain vigilant as they continue battling the fires.

By Aghakazim Guliyev