Forest fire in Antalya's Aksu grows: Three neighborhoods evacuated, one house completely burned

A forest fire broke out around 18:00 in the Karaöz neighborhood of Antalya's Aksu district. The fire, which started for reasons yet to be determined, spread rapidly due to the wind. Upon reports from those who saw the smoke rising from the area, numerous teams were dispatched.

The fire was fought on the ground with 45 fire trucks, 2 pieces of heavy equipment, and 275 personnel and forestry workers. Aerial support was provided by 9 helicopters and 3 planes. Efforts by the teams to bring the flames under control in the area are ongoing.

RESIDENTIAL AREAS EVACUATED

Many houses were evacuated as the flames approached residential areas. The highway was closed to traffic at the point where the road enters Karaöz from the Antalya route because the flames surrounded the road.

Local residents also supported the firefighting efforts. While neighborhood residents tried to stop the progress of the fire with tractors, some citizens took precautions around their homes.

Karaöz Neighborhood Headman Ahmet Karakış stated that they had evacuated many houses following the fire, saying, "So far, 1 house has completely burned down. Thank God, we have no loss of life. We are working with all our might to extinguish the fire."

In a statement made by the Regional Directorate of Forestry, it was stated that flammable materials spread to the surroundings by the energy of the fire caused spot fires, and these points were being intervened from the air and ground.

As the fire reached the border of the Döşemealtı district from Aksu, gendarmerie teams made evacuation announcements in the Kızıllı and Ilıca neighborhoods as a precaution. While riot control vehicles (TOMA) were deployed in the area, entry and exit to the fire zone were closed. It was also reported that the Aksu animal shelter was evacuated.

News Source: 12punto