Turkish authorities evacuated scores of buildings in the Aegean resort of Izmir on Friday as a forest fire touched residential districts of the city.
Authorities said 16 buildings had been damaged by fire, while Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said at least 87 houses and 44 businesses and offices were ordered emptied because of the looming flames.
A refuge for stray dogs was among buildings evacuated, media said.
Winds gusting to 50 kilometers per hour (30 miles per hour) propelled the fire, which broke out on Thursday, toward Turkey’s third-largest city. According to NTV television, the employment of water-bombing aircraft was hindered by the heavy winds.
Other cities have contributed reinforcements to the fire service, and the military has also been called into action.
According to photos released by Turkish media on Friday, thick smoke caused the sky to become orange and grey.
