Evacuation begins in Antalya due to rapidly spreading forest fire - PHOTO

In Turkey's Antalya province, where a major forest fire is spreading rapidly because of strong northeasterly winds, the evacuation of residents and animals has begun.

The fire threatens nearby settlements and industrial facilities.

The fire started the previous day at around 4:25 p.m. in the Karaöz area. A total of 866 people are involved in extinguishing it, along with 149 fire tankers, seven TOMA water cannons, 25 pieces of heavy equipment and 54 other vehicles. Units from neighboring provinces have also been sent to help.

AFAD's mobile coordination center, mobile base stations and vehicles of the Turkish Red Crescent are working at the site.

Antalya Deputy Mayor Büşra Özdemir stated that the municipality has mobilized all available resources. Among other things, new fire trucks that have not yet been registered and were put into service without license plates have been sent to fight the fire.

"The strong wind is contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. We are fighting not only the fire but also the weather conditions," Özdemir said.

She also reported a new fire in the neighboring district of Serik, where additional vehicles were dispatched.

The fire has approached a concrete plant. Rescuers are creating a protective perimeter around the enterprise and using equipment to supply water in order to prevent the flames from spreading to the facility.

Efforts to extinguish the fire are continuing.

Source: CNN Türk