More than 50,000 people have been evacuated in Turkey as wildfires rage through the western province of Izmir, fanned by strong winds and extreme heat. The fires, which erupted for a second consecutive day, come amid an unusually early summer heatwave sweeping across much of Europe.
According to Turkey’s emergency management agency (AFAD), the majority of evacuations—over 42,000 people—took place in the Izmir region alone. The country’s Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumakli, confirmed that five regions have been affected by the blazes.
A military helicopter takes part in a wildfire extinguishing operation near Seferihisar in Izmir province, Turkey, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Murat Kocabas
Turkey’s coastal areas have become increasingly vulnerable to wildfires in recent years, as summers grow hotter and drier. Scientists attribute this trend to human-driven climate change, which has amplified the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Europe on Alert as Temperatures Soar
The crisis in Turkey is part of a broader pattern affecting much of Europe. Health and heat alerts have been issued across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and even the Netherlands, where authorities warned of upcoming high temperatures and humidity—conditions more typical of July or August than late June.
People ride a motorcycle as a wildfire burns in Seferihisar in Izmir province, Turkey, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Murat Kocabas
Samantha Burgess, Strategic Lead for Climate at the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, noted that in many parts of Western Europe, temperatures are currently 5–10°C above seasonal averages.
Fires and Heat Extremes from France to Spain
In France, wildfires broke out in the Aude region on Sunday, where temperatures exceeded 40°C. Around 400 hectares burned, prompting the evacuation of a campsite and a historic abbey. Though authorities reported the fires were under control on Monday, they had yet to be fully extinguished. Weather service Meteo France placed a record 84 out of 101 departments on orange heatwave alert through midweek.
Spain, meanwhile, is on track for its hottest June ever, with temperatures climbing to 43.7°C in some areas. In Seville, which is hosting a major United Nations conference, conditions were especially intense.
Italy and Germany Take Precautionary Measures
In Italy, the Health Ministry issued red alerts for 16 cities, including Rome and Milan. The Lombardy region is considering a ban on outdoor labor during the hottest hours of the day to protect workers from heat-related illness.
Tourists stand in front of a cooling fan installed outside the Colosseum in during the heatwave in Rome, Italy, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Germany also issued heat warnings, with temperatures rising to 34°C in several areas. Authorities have asked residents to limit water use due to pressure on supplies, while low water levels on the Rhine River have disrupted shipping, increasing freight costs. Power prices also surged as demand for cooling systems spiked.
Global Consequences of Extreme Heat
Experts warn that extreme heat poses major threats to public health and infrastructure. Older adults, infants, outdoor laborers, and economically vulnerable groups are especially at risk. According to Swiss Re, heatwaves now kill up to 480,000 people globally each year—more than floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes combined.
People respond to a wildfire in a village near Seferihisar in Izmir province, Turkey, June 30, 2025. REUTERS/Murat Kocabas
Scientists have linked these events to climate change driven by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. Last year was the hottest ever recorded on Earth, and the pattern shows no signs of reversing.
