Fires engulf Turkey, residents and a hospital evacuated in Mugla

A large forest fire, fueled by strong winds, has swept through the Turkish province of Mugla, forcing authorities to evacuate 65 residents and partially empty a nearby hospital.

The fire started in an agricultural area in the Bayır neighborhood, but due to strong winds the flames spread rapidly towards forest areas, hampering the efforts of the intervention teams.

A large number of forces have been engaged in the firefighting operation, including five firefighting aircraft, 12 helicopters, 35 firefighting vehicles, water tankers and other support vehicles. Firefighters are battling the flames from both the air and the ground.
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Due to the risk to residents, authorities evacuated 65 people from 43 homes near the fire zone. Also, Seydikemer State Hospital, located about 2.5 kilometers from the affected area, relocated its intensive care and palliative care wards as a safety measure.

The governor of Mugla province, Ahmet Aras, said strong winds were hampering efforts to bring the fire under control. Authorities had also temporarily closed one of the area's main roads due to the situation.

Meanwhile, other fires have also been recorded in Antalya province, where fire crews are battling a blaze in the Kumluca district. Several holiday homes have been evacuated for safety reasons.

Turkish authorities have warned that high temperatures, prolonged drought and strong winds have significantly increased the risk of forest fires during this summer season. /Telegraph/ ...