Forest fire in Antalya: 14 injured as efforts underway to contain blaze

Photo: AA

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A forest fire broke out last night in the forested area of Kemer district in Antalya, a popular holiday resort.

As the sun rose, 10 planes and 22 helicopters joined the efforts to tackle the fire.

The fire was first reported in the forest area of Göynük Değirmendere neighborhood at around 9.08 p.m. local time, but the cause of it remains unknown.

Injuries

Fourteen individuals were rushed to the hospital due to smoke inhalation caused by the fire.

Antalya Governor Ersin Yazıcı issued a statement, explaining that as a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated ten residences in close proximity to the fire zone. At Kemer State Hospital, out of the 14 patients admitted, twelve were discharged and sent back home, while two others were transferred to different hospitals.

Yazıcı informed the press that a comprehensive effort to combat the fire was underway, involving 22 bulldozers, 3 water tankers, 5 intervention vehicles, and 15 fire trucks. He also mentioned that additional equipment from various institutions and organizations was en route to the scene. Nearly 200 personnel were actively engaged in utilizing machinery and vehicles to control the fire.

Affected area

The blaze has advanced approximately 3.5 kilometers westward, fueled by wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any damage to residential or commercial properties, nor any harm to living beings. However, the dense forest in the area has posed a challenge for direct intervention, leading authorities to focus on firefighting efforts from a distance.

Approximately 60 hectares of land have been affected by the fire, according to Agriculture and Forestry Deputy Minister Veysel Tiryaki, who addressed reporters at the fire site. There are currently no indications of any immediate danger to residential areas. (AS/VK)