Turkey wildfires reach Antalya residential area after evacuations

Wildfires in Turkey's popular tourist region of Antalya have advanced into a residential area in the Kumluca district, prompting evacuations. State news agency Anadolu reported that houses in the area were evacuated as a precaution before the flames arrived. Local officials noted strong winds were exacerbating the fire's spread, leading to the destruction of some evacuated homes.

The fire's proximity has forced the closure of roads to the nearby tourist hubs of Adrasan and Olympos, an ancient city located about ten kilometers from Kumluca. Emergency crews are battling the blaze from both the air and the ground. While many fires that broke out yesterday in the tourist region have been extinguished, efforts continue in western Antalya's Kas district.

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strong wind is blowing in the region and there is a risk that the fire will spread.

Governor Hulusi Sahin attributed the fires to extreme heat, strong winds, and dry air, stating that twelve fires were reported in total. The exact triggers remain unclear, though state authorities had previously warned of wildfire risks. Firefighting operations are also underway in other western Turkish provinces, including Aydin, Balikesir, Kütahya, Canakkale, and Yalova, with hundreds of personnel, aircraft, and vehicles deployed in the affected areas.

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extreme heat, strong winds and dry air