According to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli, a massive wildfire erupted in four different locations in Turkey’s southern province of Antalya, a popular destination for foreign tourists.
“Unfortunately, wind conditions, low humidity and other factors are helping the fire spread. There are all kinds of reasons for fueling the fire right now,” the Minister told reporters in Antalya’s Manavgat district on Wednesday.
Winds of up to 50 km/h were fanning the flames, and the smoke affected 53 people, according to Pakdemirli, who also stated that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Firefighters were seen dumping water from helicopters on the burning buildings, but the flames had not yet been extinguished.
Hundreds of people have been forced to flee their homes as the forest fire spreads due to strong winds.
The flames had reached residential areas, but there was no cause for concern in tourist areas, according to Manavgat Mayor Sukru Sozen.
“We are experiencing an unprecedented fire. There is no casualty at the moment, but we do not have clear information,” said Manavgat District Governor Mustafa Yigit, noting that isolated people from the villages are possibly injured.
WILDFIRE VIDEOS FROM ANTALYA, TURKEY
Horrible. Wild Fires raging in South Turkey, engulfing here the coastal town of Marmaris.
AP estimating at least 3 dead & 58 injured. Authorities suspecting arsons: pic.twitter.com/5tdqWQcKxx
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) July 29, 2021
Turkey had been struggling to battle several large forest fires near seaside towns in the last few days and no neighbouring country offered help so far pic.twitter.com/afkT8OwZgB
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) July 29, 2021
Marmaris'te son durum #Marmarisyanıyor pic.twitter.com/5MADgHQvaC
— Tuncay ÖZKAN (@ATuncayOzkan) July 29, 2021
Marmaris İçmeler'de yangın kontrol altına alınmış değil. Umarım kayıplarımız artmaz, yangın bir an önce söndürülür. Doğayı yok etmeye çalışanlara yazıklar olsun. Bir an önce yakalanıp cezalandırılmalarını bekliyoruz. pic.twitter.com/duReYuUdZe
— Tuncay ÖZKAN (@ATuncayOzkan) July 29, 2021
Not a scene from a horror movie, much much more frightening than that. This is one of 13 (so far) raging fires across Turkey. 😢😢😢
Marmaris, Southern Turkey. Marmaris pic.twitter.com/vxjSE7VdAC
— Milena Büyüm (@MilenaBuyum) July 29, 2021
