Large-scale forest fires have engulfed the regions of Antalya, Muğla and neighbouring holiday resorts in southern Turkey. Strong winds are fanning the flames and spreading the smoke, leading to the temporary closure of the Fethiye–Antalya motorway. In the Seydikemer area, more than 700 residents, patients at the state hospital and around a hundred animals have been evacuated.
Briefly about the main points
- Fires have been reported in Antalya, Muğla and near resort areas.
- In Seydikemer, more than 700 people were evacuated from six settlements.
- The fire damaged 55 buildings in the Seydikemer district.
- The Fethiye–Antalya road was temporarily closed due to smoke.
- More than 3,500 specialists were deployed simultaneously to tackle the fire.
Smoke has reached Aksu and Kemer; a home has been damaged in Kumluji
The fire situation remains tense in the districts of Kaş, Kumluca, Alanya and near Muğla. In the tourist area of Aksu, where large holiday resorts are located, there is a strong smell of burning and smoke is visible. Smoke has also been reported near Kemer.
Evacuation from Seydikemer and forces on the ground
One of the most severe outbreaks occurred in Seydikemer, in the province of Muğla. The fire started in agricultural land and, due to strong winds, quickly spread to the forest. More than 700 people and around 100 animals were temporarily evacuated from six settlements.
As the flames approached, patients at the Seydikemer State Hospital were evacuated to safety. The fire damaged 55 buildings. More than 1,100 people, hundreds of pieces of ground-based equipment and over 20 aircraft were deployed to tackle the blaze in this area.
According to the latest figures from the Turkish authorities, more than 3,500 specialists, approximately 500 fire engines, 21 aircraft and 69 helicopters are currently deployed to tackle fires across various regions of the country. On the evening of 29 July, 73 fires were reported over the past 24 hours, 63 of which had been brought under control. Five major fires broke out in Muğla, four of which have been contained.
The roads and the heat are making things difficult for tourists
Thick smoke blanketed the Fethiye–Antalya road, one of the main routes for transfers between resorts on the south-west coast. Traffic on the road was temporarily halted due to reduced visibility and the risk of the fire spreading; it was subsequently resumed under controlled conditions. Access to the Adrasan and Olympos areas was also restricted.
On 28 July, the Turkish Meteorological Service issued a warning of northerly winds of 50–75 km/h in the western Mediterranean, including the Gulf of Antalya. In Alanya, night-time gusts reached 84 km/h, hampering the work of the fire service. High temperatures, low humidity and changeable winds are fuelling the fire risk.
The regional forecast for 31 July – 4 August predicts heatwave up to 40°C in Aksu and Kepez, up to 38°C in Belek and Manavgat, and up to 36°C in Kaşı, Kumluji and Alanya. This may make it more difficult to cool the burnt areas and increase the risk of the fires reigniting.
What tourists need to know
People in the Antalya, Kemer, Fethiye or Muğla areas are advised to:
- Please follow the instructions issued by the local authorities and the hotel management.
- Check road conditions before travelling between resorts.
- Do not attempt to bypass roadblocks via forest tracks.
- If there is heavy smoke, close the windows and limit time spent outdoors.
- Keep your documents, medicines and essential items to hand.
