Wildfires in Turkey's Izmir prompt FCDO alert as 'extreme' temperatures tip 40C
Turkey’s Izmir has been hit by wildfires after heatwave temperatures tipped 40C, prompting a Foreign Office warning to Brits holidaying on the Turkish riviera that they could be ordered to leave their accommodation.
Fires have been reported in area of southeast Turkey, including in and around the beach resort town of Kusadesi, which is on the country’s Aegean coastline.
Firefighting helicopters were deployed at the weekend as fires raged late last week and into the weekend, with high temperatures creating conditions conducive to wildfires.
The European Forest Fire Information System reports there have already been 126 fires in Turkey this year already, more than in 2022 and 2023, burning through nearly 36,000 hectares of forest.
Late last week, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Turkey with new information on wildfires and the "extreme temperatures" the country is experiencing.
"Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months," said the FCDO. "Wildfires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities."
It comes just days after a like FCDO warning for neighbouring Greece, which earlier this year declared what is believed to be the earliest summer heatwave in its recorded history.
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