Turkey has joined other holiday destinations across Europe in being struck by wildfires while in the grip of high temperatures.
Mediterranean countries have seen days of flames, first seen on the Greek island of Rhodes but since spreading to Corfu, Sicily and parts of Portugal, France and the Canary Islands.
In Turkey, 10 planes, 22 helicopters and more than 200 vehicles have been deployed this week in the firefighting efforts in Kemer area, with some 120 hectares of woodland burned, tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy told reporters.
The temperature has exceeded 40C in some parts of the country over the past few days, and the Antalya region – one of the most popular spots for British tourists – has seen evacuations and people treated for smoke inhalation.
With the summer holidays upon us, many people will be ready to head away for a break. If you’re booked to travel to Turkey, you might be asking: is it still safe to go? Here’s what we know so far.
Which parts of Turkey are impacted by the fires?
A wildfire broke out near the tourist resort of Kemer in the southern province of Antalya, on Tuesday (25 July), with firefighters tackling the blaze amid high temperatures. Strong winds and low humidity meant the flames spread fast, according to a statement from the office of Antalya’s governor.
Local authorities have taken all necessary measures to prevent the fire spreading to residential areas, according to officials.
A forest fire in Istanbul’s Beykoz district can be seen from Bosphorus and emergency services are also dealing with outbreaks in Aegean Izmir, Afyonkarahisar, and Kütahya provinces, reports local publication Duvar English.
Last week, fires were reported in the provinces of Mersin and Hatay, both in the south-east of the country, as well as Canakkale in the west.
What is the latest Foreign Office advice?
Before the extreme heat and wildfires affected Europe, the Foreign Office (FCDO) already had three travel warnings in place for Turkey:
- Border with Syria: advises against all travel within 10km of the border
- City of Sirnak: advises against all but essential travel
- Hakkari province: advises against all but essential travel
Specific FCDO advice on forest fires states: “Forest fires happen frequently in Turkey during summer. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.
“You could get a fine or prison sentence…
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