Hundreds evacuated as firefighters battle to contain wildfires across Turkey

Firefighters are battling to contain wildfires in five Turkish provinces, the forestry minister said, though a blaze in the western Izmir region that broke out on Thursday had eased somewhat and residential areas were no longer at risk. (Photo/Agencies)

The blaze in Izmir's Karsiyaka district was caused by a fire built by three people picnicking near an area of forest. "The intensity of the fire decreased, and there is no more risk to residential areas at the moment," Yumakli said. The fire was burning inside a valley which is hard to reach from land. (Photo/Agencies)

The fire started on August 15 and was quickly spread to residential areas by winds blowing at 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour. (Photo/Agencies)

Helicopters and water bombers which were grounded due to strong winds continued their fight against the flames on Saturday morning. (Photo/Agencies)

Turkish interior minister Ali Yerlikaya said that 900 residents in five affected districts were evacuated overnight in Izmir. Around 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres) have been affected, the minister said. (Photo/Agencies)

Turkey's coastal regions in particular have in recent years been ravaged by wildfires as summers have become hotter and drier, which scientists relate to climate change. (Photo/Agencies)