Fiery nightmare in Smyrna. The forest fire that started on Thursday afternoon in the western region of Izmir led to the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists, and firefighting efforts in several areas of the province. The fire appears to have started during a picnic and has reached settlements. Three people were identified.

In Kordelio, residents were evacuated from their homes in two districts, while on the Aidini side, another village was evacuated. The Ministry of Health announced that 78 people were hospitalized.

A total of 90 aerial vehicles, 4,717 personnel with 1,218 vehicles operate in Smyrna, Bolu, Mougla, Manisa, Aydinio.

Strong northerly winds are blowing in the area, making extinguishing efforts difficult, while the atmosphere is suffocating due to smoke.

In Kordelio, residents in two districts were evacuated from their homes, while another village was evacuated from the opposite side of the mountain mass, towards Aidini.

According to the official tally, 16 houses have been burnt so far, while on Friday evening the fire had burnt down facilities in the industrial zone.

For a moment in the afternoon, the fire appeared to be under control, but later, due to strong winds, it flared up again.

The Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli rushed to Izmir to inspect the extinguishing work.