AAlmost 60 wildfires across 17 provinces in Turkey have been reported over the last week, with many of them located on the Southern coast. Bodrum, Antalya and Marmaris have all been hard hit and the emergency services are still working tirelessly to get them under control. The area is experiencing strong wind and a heat wave right now after weeks of weather over 40 degrees Celsius, making the situation ever more difficult.
3 people have currently died from the fires, with 183 others experiencing problems due to smoke inhalation. Countless people have lost their homes and their farms, and there is an incredibly detrimental impact that will be had on the local wildlife population. The hotels surrounding the affected areas have evacuated by boat and the patrons relocated. Thankfully, Bayram has just finished and there is a lot less tourism in the area than if this had happened a week before.
Due to shortages in equipment and the inability to put out the fires by air during the night, the local people have been pulling together to do whatever is needed. Water and supply deliveries, opening their doors to those who cannot return to their homes, and taking any injured wildlife to local vet clinics (where they are currently being treated for free) are all some things people have been doing to help. The community spirit is strong in the area, and we all hope that this does not carry on and take any more lives.
Wildfires can be common during the summer months, however this is the largest to date. Many are currently speculation that this is arson and an investigation has been launched into this.
