The Foreign Office warns Brits affected by wildfires in Turkey to follow official instructions. Over the summer, such blazes happen often in the tourist destination. A wildfire broke out in the Kundu area near Antalya on Saturday night.
A number of hotels popular with tourists are in the same area where strong winds fanned the flames, pushing the fire into neighbouring Mugla and Aydin. More than 800 firefighters, 20 helicopters and 14 other aircraft took part in the mission to extinguish the terrible blaze.
News of the blaze comes after a wildfire broke out in a forested area near the beach resort Alanya in Antalya on Thursday (September 18).
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country faces a “truly great disaster” while local media reports Alanya’s Deputy Mayor Murat Levent Koçak as saying the emergency services were working at speed to put out the blaze, according to the Mirror.
Wildfires plagued Turkey this summer, with thousands of people fleeing flames tearing through holiday hotspots.
In July, more than 3,500 people fled Bursa as fires threatened to surround the popular tourist destination and Turkey’s fourth biggest city.
Over 1,000 firefighters fought the flames and a main road linking the city to the Turkish capital Ankara was closed as forests around the route burned.
Unseasonably high temperatures, bone dry conditions and high winds have fuelled wildfires across Turkey and southern European countries this year, including Greece.
The UK Foreign Office warns that wildfires occur “frequently” in Turkey during the summer.
Its advice adds: “You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland.
“Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.
“If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities.”
The Foreign Office also advises anyone who sees a wildfire to call the emergency services in Turkey on 112.
