Forest Fires Spread Across Five Provinces in Turkey

Turkey is battling severe wildfires for a third consecutive day, with flames expanding beyond Antalya and Muğla to affect five provinces in total. Active fire zones and localized blazes have also been reported in Manisa, Balıkesir, Yalova, and Kütahya.

Firefighting operations are underway using both ground crews and aerial units. Despite the crisis at home, Turkey dispatched four firefighting aircraft to assist with ongoing wildfires in Spain and France. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı described the gesture as part of their duty to protect forests both domestically and internationally.

Multiple new fire hotspots emerged in the Kumluca district, including an active blaze in the Yazır forest area where containment efforts are ongoing. Meanwhile, a fire in the Demre district has been brought under control after burning roughly three hectares of scrubland.

The blazes initially broke out in agricultural land in the Bayır neighborhood before spreading into adjacent forested areas. Driven by strong winds, flames approached residential areas and the Seydikemer State Hospital, forcing authorities to temporarily close the Fethiye–Antalya highway due to heavy smoke and advancing fire risks.