Wildfires Spread Across Turkey Kill Two Force Thousands to Evacuate

Devastating wildfires fueled by high winds and drought conditions have caused at least two deaths and forced thousands to evacuate in Turkey. The fires, which started in popular tourist areas such as Kuyucak and Doganbey, have spread rapidly, with major fires still burning near Cesme, Buca, and Odemis where an elderly man and a forest worker died while battling the blazes. Authorities arrested two individuals on suspicion of starting one of the fires, and the motorway connecting Izmir and Aydin was closed due to the Buca fire. Meanwhile, Greece has seen wildfires in southern Crete and near Athens' port of Rafina that have been extinguished without casualties, although evacuations were necessary and some properties were damaged. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly in both countries, increasing the risk of further fires. Firefighters remain on high alert as they continue to combat the ongoing wildfire crisis across the region.