3 weeks ago
14
Firefighters are attempting to control the growing wildfire as it rips through Izmir, Turkey (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Large parts of Turkey and Crete are facing down an overnight inferno (July 2), as raging wildfires threaten to engulf popular tourist areas in the Mediterranean.
Izmir and the surrounding areas in western Turkey, dotted with the coastal resorts that many Brits flock to each summer, has been blanketed with evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents while fire crews attempt to control the growing inferno that has already destroyed over 100 homes.
Turkish firefighters are deploying air and ground units through the night to try and hold back the flames, with images from Izmir showing apocalyptic scenes of devastation and fire as far as the eye can see in the acrid smoke now covering these destinations.
In Crete, videos taken from offshore show blazes burning across the eastern portion of the Greek island, where many residents on Tuesday night had to be evacuated from beaches due to the inferno's rapid spread.
This is a liveblog, follow below for updates.
11 mins ago23:52 William Morgan
Wildfire in Crete continues to rage
Residents in Ierapetra, Crete, were forced to flee the island via boat after a wildfire broke out on Wednesday afternoon and began spreading rapidly.
Thick smoke blanketed the eastern portion of the island as the blaze grew, covering Makri Yialo beach. Local media reported homes destroyed and tourist hotels under threat as the incident continued into the night.
145 firefighters with helicopter support have been dispatched to bring the wildfire under control, with more support expected with teams being flown in from the Greek mainland.
A massive fire erupted in Ierapetra (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
25 mins ago23:38 William Morgan
Turkey wildfire burns through woodland
As the wildfire in western Turkey rips through woodland, which is only fuelling the massive inferno, firefighters are battling through the night to bring the blaze under control.
According to local officials in Izmir, the fire broke out in a field and quickly spread to surrounding bushes and forests due to strong winds.
Responding to the fire, the Turkish state warned on X: "Causing a forest fire, which endangers the lives of living beings, all public personnel fighting the fire, and our citizens, steals the breath of millions, and is, from every perspective, a grave burden, is a serious crime with severe penalties."
JUST IN: The fight against the forest fire in \u00c7e\u015fme, Izmir, Turkey
\u260e | \ud83d\udcac 0 216 420 76 76 pic.twitter.com/yAMov3KCue
38 mins ago23:25 William Morgan
Firefighters facing apocalyptic scenes
Wildfires have been raging in western Turkey for four days now, with Izmir remaining the focal point for many of the blazes.
Images from the popular tourist areas show firefighters working in apocalyptic conditions, as teams work to slow the spread of the devastation, their way lit by the fires raging around them.
Across Europe this week, fires have devastated many countries along the Mediterranean, including Italy and Spain.
The fight against the forest fire in Çeşme, Izmir, Turkey (Image: @X)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
English (US) · 