A forest fire is threatening homes and industrial areas in the western Turkish province of Izmir, according to local media and a witness contacted by AFP.
The blaze broke out around 1:00 pm (1000 GMT) between the districts of Seferihisar and Menderes in southern Izmir province, spreading swiftly due to winds of up to 117 km/h (75 miles), Governor Suleyman Elban said.
Strong winds have grounded helicopters, leaving two water-bombing aircraft and a large ground crew battling the flames, the governor added.
Five neighbourhoods in Seferihisar district have been evacuated as the fire approaches residential areas, the governor said.
Residents in the village of Urkmez are felling trees to create firebreaks and protect their homes, a witness told AFP by phone.
A separate blaze ignited at a landfill in Gaziemir, 13 kilometres from central Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city, has spread to nearby woodland and is threatening the Otokent industrial zone, home to several car dealerships.
One dealership was seen ablaze in footage broadcast by Turkish channel NTV.
Flights at Izmir airport were temporarily suspended, Turkish media reported.
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© Agence France-Presse
