İzmir fire brigade handles 566 blazes and 244 rescues over eight days

Between 25 July and 1 August, the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department responded to 566 fire incidents and conducted 244 animal‑rescue operations, totaling 810 emergency calls. The most common fires were grass and brush blazes (193 cases), and 119 animals were saved.

Fire chief Ahmet Karaman warned that hot, dry weather and strong winds accelerate fire spread. He urged residents to avoid discarding cigarette butts, glass bottles, fireworks, and to refrain from using campfires, grills or open flames in windy conditions. Karaman also advised postponing any metal‑working or other spark‑producing activities near dry vegetation and recommended keeping fire extinguishers and water supplies on hand.

The department emphasized continuous 24/7 readiness, urging the public to report any signs of fire promptly and to keep surrounding areas clear of dry brush and debris to reduce ignition risk.