Powerful forest fires have engulfed several areas of Turkey, while strong winds have hampered firefighters' efforts to bring the flames under control, especially in the tourist regions of the south of the country.

In the province of Mugla, one of the most affected areas, authorities have deployed a large number of forces and equipment to extinguish the fires. 5 aircraft, 18 helicopters, over 90 firefighting vehicles and hundreds of firefighters are participating in the operation. “We are working tirelessly to bring the fire under full control,” the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said in a statement published on the X platform. Images from the area show helicopters intervening from the air, while the sky is covered in thick smoke.

According to Turkish media, the highway connecting the tourist city of Antalya with the coastal area of ​​Fethiye has been temporarily closed due to reduced visibility due to smoke. Access to the archaeological site of Mount Olympus has also been restricted. The fire started in a rural area and then spread to forests, according to local authorities. Due to the danger, 202 people were ordered to evacuate, including patients from a nearby hospital.

Another fire has also been recorded in the forest region of Balikesir, in western Turkey, along the road axis connecting Izmir to the Dardanelles. Authorities continue operations to isolate the fire, while weather conditions with strong winds remain a challenge for teams on the ground.

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