A fire that broke out in agricultural land in Yakaköy, a neighborhood of İzmir’s Bornova district, quickly spread to the red pine forest due to strong winds. Thick black smoke covered the sky and was visible from across the city as intensive firefighting efforts were launched from both air and land. Bornova Municipality teams, equipped with high-pressure water spraying equipment for forest fire response, rushed to the scene with water tankers. Coordinating the municipal teams on site, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki announced that the fire was largely brought under control.

Bornova Municipality teams intervened immediately in the fire that started in Yakaköy, known as Bornova’s green paradise, and rapidly spread to the forested area. As the flames, which began in farmland, grew with the wind and threatened residential areas, all municipal units were put on high alert upon the instructions of Mayor Ömer Eşki. The municipal teams acted as a shield against the flames with heavy machinery and water tankers dispatched to the area.

Mayor Eşki led efforts on the ground

As the fire threatened residential areas, an evacuation order was issued for the residents of Yakaköy. Despite intensive efforts, it was reported that some homes and barns were damaged by the fire. Teams from Bornova Municipality, under the direction of Mayor Ömer Eşki, reached the area to support the firefighting efforts with machinery and water tankers. Thanks to the rapid response of the municipality, two homes were saved from being completely destroyed at the last moment. Upon receiving news of the fire, Mayor Eşki immediately set up a crisis desk and rushed to Yakaköy, where he personally coordinated the firefighting efforts on site. The teams from the Municipality’s Directorate of Public Works and Cleaning Services, guided by Mayor Eşki, worked intensively in critical areas near houses. Clearing the areas around some detached houses engulfed by flames with machinery and continuously cooling them with water tankers, the teams prevented these homes from being entirely reduced to ashes.

“We will heal our citizens’ wounds as quickly as possible”

After the fire was largely brought under control, Mayor Ömer Eşki emphasized the spirit of unity and solidarity displayed during the ordeal. Eşki said, “It was a difficult day, but we succeeded in standing as one for Bornova. I express my gratitude to all the heroes who risked their lives fighting the flames, especially the teams from the İzmir Regional Forestry Directorate and the Fire Department. I also thank the neighboring district municipalities and teams from Manisa who provided support during the fire. Our greatest relief is that no lives were lost. We will do our best to help our citizens recover as soon as possible.”