Wave of fire reaches Turkey: hospital and settlements evacuated, hundreds of firefighters battle flames
The wave of wildfires in southern Europe has reached Turkey. A major hotspot is in Muğla province, in the Seydikemer area near Fethiye. The fire spread toward residential areas, prompting the evacuation of a hospital, 121 homes, and about 202 residents. Hundreds of firefighters and 20 firefighting aircraft are operating. Additional hotspots in Antalya: 12 fires, 10 under control. No casualties. The European Union warns of further spread eastward.
The deadly wave of wildfires in southern Europe has reached Turkey. The main fire hotspot is in Muğla province in southwestern Turkey, in the Seydikemer area near the resort city of Fethiye. The fire spread rapidly toward residential areas due to strong winds, leading to the evacuation of a government hospital, 121 homes, and about 202 residents. The main highway between Fethiye and Antalya was closed. Hundreds of firefighters and more than 20 firefighting aircraft and helicopters are operating from the air. Meanwhile, 12 separate fires were reported in Antalya province, ten of which are under control. No casualties have been reported. The European Union warns that the risk zone has shifted eastward, and further outbreaks are expected in Turkey, Greece, and other countries. The fires come after dramatic days in France, Spain, and Greece, where over 330,000 people were evacuated and three firefighters were killed.