Turkey: Responders continuing to fight seven wildfires in Antalya and Mugla provinces as of Aug. 1

Event

Emergency services in Turkey are continuing their efforts to contain a number of wildfires in the southern part of the country as of Aug. 1. According to authorities in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a total of seven fires across Antalya and Mugla provinces remain to be brought under control.

Antalya Province
Fires are continuing in the Manavgat District, as well as the township of Gundogmus located about 53 km (33 miles) further east. Near the city of Manavgat, crews are continuing to fight blazes on the Sirtkoy and Guglen Dagi ridges. According to authorities, of the 42 neighborhoods affected by the fire, 27 were evacuated. Around 18,000 utilities customers remain without power or water; at least two people died and over 270 others were injured in the fires.

According to Turkey's Emergency Management Agency (AFAD), more than 960 personnel have been deployed to battle the Mangavat fire. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days.

Mugla Province
Fires remain active in the Marmaris, Koycegiz, Milas, and Seydikemer districts of Mugla Province. At least one person has been killed and 49 others injured in the various fires burning in Mugla Province.

In the greater Marmaris area, authorities have evacuated hundreds of residents from affected locations, including the city's Armutalan and Icmeler neighborhoods, as well as the villages of Bayir and Osmaniye further southwest of the city. The nearby resort village of Turunc is also under direct threat from the wildfires, with localized evacuations already occurring; the Turkish Navy has deployed two transport vessels to the waters off Turunc in the event an evacuation by sea becomes necessary.

The blaze nearest to Marmaris has forced authorities to close the D400 motorway, which connects the city to the Datca district; Ataturk Avenue, which links the city center to the Icmeler neighborhood has also been closed. The fire has also destroyed at least 50 electrical transformers, causing localized power outages.

Moreover, a new wildfire has broken out near Arifler township in the Seydikemer District about 100 km (60 miles) southeast of Marmaris as of Aug. 1. As of yet, authorities have not released details concerning the new blaze, except to warn that they expect it to spread quickly due to windy conditions in the area.

Responders could implement road closures at short notice depending on evolving wildfire conditions, as well as operational needs. Traffic disruptions are likely on available parallel routes. Smoke from the fires could cause poor air quality in affected areas. Authorities could expand mandatory evacuation orders.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.