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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 47394, member: 636"] Forest fires rage across western Turkey's Izmir province, forcing thousands from their homes. The blazes started at 1 pm local time between two districts south of the city. Powerful winds reaching 75 miles per hour push the flames toward houses and businesses. Governor Suleyman Elban reports that rescue teams battle the fires with aircraft and ground crews. Emergency officials have cleared five neighborhoods as flames move closer to populated areas. Strong winds keep rescue helicopters on the ground during the emergency. Two airplanes drop water on the fires from above. Residents in Urkmez village cut down trees to stop the flames from reaching their homes. The governor says ground teams work around the clock to contain the spreading fires. Local people help create barriers to protect their neighborhoods from the advancing blazes. A second fire burns at a garbage dump near Gaziemir, located eight miles from downtown Izmir. The flames spread from the landfill into nearby forests and woods. Fire threatens the Otokent industrial area where several car dealerships operate. Television footage shows one dealership burning completely. The industrial zone houses many automotive businesses that face damage from the approaching flames. Airport officials stopped all flights at Izmir temporarily due to the emergency. Turkey's third largest city faces serious threats from multiple fire locations. Emergency crews coordinate efforts across several districts to protect residents and property. Weather conditions make firefighting efforts more difficult and dangerous. Officials continue evacuating people from areas where fires spread rapidly toward communities. [/QUOTE]

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