Turkey battles dozens of fires, impacting resorts in Antalya and Alanya

Firefighters in Turkey are engaged in a significant battle against numerous wildfires, with blazes impacting popular tourist destinations like Antalya and the Dardanelles. As of Thursday, authorities reported at least 115 active fires across the country, though a substantial majority, 110, were reportedly under control.

Minister of Agriculture Ibrahim Yumakli stated that 69 of the fires active on Wednesday originated outside forested areas. The General Directorate of Forestry confirmed "intensive interventions with air and ground units" were underway due to strong winds exacerbating the situation. The fires have spread through areas between Antalya and Alanya, and Mugla and Fethiye, regions known for seaside resorts along the Turquoise Coast.

Yumakli assured the public via the social media platform X that four major fires in the Mugla, Antalya, Kaş, Balikesir, and Çanakkale regions were "largely under control." However, the exact extent of the affected areas remains unspecified. Smaller, localized fires have also been reported.

The number of active fires has fluctuated, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously reporting 90 blazes on Wednesday. While Turkey experienced severe wildfires earlier in 2025 due to drought, the current season has been less impacted by widespread fires thanks to ample winter rainfall and snowfall, which replenished groundwater and helped protect vegetation.

“

The four major fires in the regions of Mugla, Antalya and Kaş, Balikesir and Čanakkale in the Dardanelles area are largely under control.