Volunteers and firefighters battle a wildfire in Fethiye, in the province of Mugla, southwestern Turkey on July 30, 2026. (Photo by Murat Kocabas / AFP)
Istanbul: Hundreds of Turkish firefighters on Thursday battled to contain wildfires spreading near key tourist regions on the country's Mediterranean coast.
Authorities expressed particular concern over fires around the city of Antalya and the Aegean sea resorts of Fethiye, where flames gathered new strength on Thursday, and Ayvalik.
TRT public television showed a man carrying his sheep on his shoulders away from one fire.
The national forestry office said firefighters had intensified the battle started Wednesday outside Fethiye where strong winds had reignited the flames.
Balikesir province governor Ismail Ustaoglu said 850 firefighters, five water-bombing planes and six helicopters were tackling a blaze at Ayvalik, opposite the Greek Aegean island of Lesbos.
Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said earlier that 115 wildfires had been reported since Wednesday, with all but five brought under control.
Turkiye was hit by major forest fires in 2025 amid a prolonged drought. Access to forests and other high risk areas has been closed since the start of the summer holiday season.
