In Turkey, the hottest wildfires on record cause despair among locals

In Turkey, the hottest wildfires on record cause despair among locals
Fires rage behind Icmeler Bay (Muğla province). Photograph: Alina Kvasha/TASS

For a week now wildfires have been ravaging southern Turkey, causing at least eight deaths, despair among the inhabitants and the flight of tourists. Satellite photos revealed broad burnt forests with nearly 100,000 hectors consumed by flames. While wildfires are common in Turkey during the summer, this year’s blazes are exceptionally hot. Turkey has registered its warmest temperature in 60 years last week with Cizre, a south-east town, reaching 49.1C. As residents lost homes and livestock, anger turned toward the authorities and government.

Sources: https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/03/locals-in-turkey-scramble-to-fight-the-fire-surrounding-their-village

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58057081

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/30/turkish-fires-sweeping-through-tourist-areas-are-the-hottest-on-record