Shocking video footage captured the moment wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination, prompting over 800 firefighters to battle the massive blaze.
In the Alanya district of Antalya, Turkey, vacationers were compelled to evacuate their hotels as the infernos raged. Social media videos depicted alarming scenes of forest fires dangerously close to a restaurant and potentially a holiday resort, with onlookers recording the devastation on their phones.
The wildfire originated in the Kundu area near Antalya on Saturday evening, affecting a cluster of tourist-frequented hotels. Intensified by strong winds, the fire spread to Mugla and Aydin, as confirmed by local firefighters, triggering a substantial emergency response to contain the flames.
The firefighting mission involved over 800 firefighters, 20 helicopters, and 14 other aircraft, mobilized to combat the alarming wildfires. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the situation as a “truly great disaster” as more than 25,000 individuals participated in the emergency response.
Alanya Deputy Mayor Murat Levent Koçak highlighted the rapid spread of the fire due to strong winds, cautioning residents about the approaching danger to populated areas. Emergency services swiftly reacted to extinguish the inferno.
Throughout the summer, raging wildfires have plagued Turkey, compelling thousands of tourists and locals to flee. In July, over 1,500 individuals evacuated from Bursa, a popular destination for British holidaymakers, amidst encroaching flames, with firefighters battling the blazes.
Turkey has witnessed numerous devastating wildfires since June, attributed to uncharacteristically high temperatures, dry weather, and strong winds. Similarly, Greece and Bulgaria also grappled with severe wildfires this summer, with parts of Athens evacuated due to over 50 wildfires in a 24-hour period in July.
Bulgaria sought assistance from EU partners following wildfires along its southern borders with Greece and Turkey, as well as the western Serbian frontier.