Muğla Governor Akbıyık: Fire partially under control

From the moment the fire began, numerous teams were dispatched to the region, and all state institutions are continuing firefighting efforts in coordination. Interventions carried out by air and land throughout the day continued uninterrupted through the night. During the day, 5 firefighting aircraft and 20 helicopters were deployed in the firefighting efforts.

In the ground operations, a total of 1,140 personnel from the General Directorate of Forestry, municipalities, fire departments, AFAD, police, gendarmerie, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), and various non-governmental organizations fought the flames with 356 vehicles, including fire trucks, water tankers, construction equipment, and service vehicles. Due to the fire approaching the district center, security measures were raised to the highest level. In this context, 434 homes in 6 neighborhoods were evacuated, and 764 citizens were relocated to safe areas.

Due to the risk the fire posed to the hospital vicinity, Seydikemer State Hospital was also evacuated as a precaution. While 45 patients receiving treatment at the hospital were transferred to Fethiye State Hospital by ambulance, approximately 100 head of cattle and small livestock belonging to citizens were also moved to safe areas.

According to initial assessments, 55 structures, including ruins and barns, were damaged by the fire. It was learned that damage assessment studies will be conducted in detail after the fire is completely brought under control. The Antalya highway, which was closed to traffic as a precaution due to the fire, was reopened to traffic in a controlled manner following an assessment by the teams.

Cause of the fire is being investigated

While investigations into the cause of the fire continue alongside the extinguishing efforts, initial findings suggest that the fire started in a non-forest area. Gendarmerie and police teams are continuing their work on the incident. Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık, who conducted inspections in the fire zone, stated in his remarks: "In these days when humidity levels are below 20 percent, air temperatures are high, and winds are strong, fires can spread very quickly. Our citizens should absolutely not light fires in forest areas, throw cigarette butts, or burn grills or stubble. We request that our farmers and producers keep fire trucks on their land. The 'Green Homeland' belongs to us all. We will overcome these days with a spirit of mobilization. Get well soon to our country and our region," he said.

"Everyone is fighting to protect our 'Green Homeland'"

Emphasizing that they aim to bring the fire under control by morning, Governor Akbıyık said: "First of all, get well soon to our country and our Muğla. Our Minister of Agriculture also announced that the fire is currently partially under control, but it is still continuing in one section. There has been a great struggle since the morning hours. Everyone is fighting to protect our 'Green Homeland,' and let us protect our 'Green Homeland' together. The Seydikemer side is particularly under control, but there are areas continuing toward the mountain. Hopefully, we will have it under control by morning," he said.

It was stated that teams will continue their work uninterrupted throughout the night to bring the fire completely under control, and citizens were asked to follow official warnings and avoid behaviors that could create a fire risk.