For the past two days, western Turkey has been battling forest fires intensified by strong winds. Around 3:00 PM today, a fire broke out in the Lara tourism region of Antalya. After 4.5 hours of intervention by air and land, the fire was brought under control, with approximately 30 hectares of land damaged.
Fire Contained After 4.5 Hours of Effort
The forest fire, which started at around 3:00 PM in the Lara tourism area of Muratpaşa district, was contained after 4.5 hours of intense effort. On high alert during the hot summer days that pose a fire risk, the Antalya Regional Forestry Directorate and the Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department swiftly dispatched teams to the area upon receiving the report. Initial efforts involved six fire trucks, two water supply vehicles, two helicopters, one bulldozer, and numerous personnel.
Efforts to Prevent Flames From Reaching Nearby Homes
The Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, with eight vehicles and 25 personnel, collaborated with the Regional Forestry Directorate and other institutions to fight the flames. The ASAT General Directorate also supported the efforts with fire trucks. Teams worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from reaching nearby homes. After 4.5 hours of intense intervention from the ground and air, the fire was brought under control.
Citizens also joined the firefighting efforts, with local business owners and tourists helping to douse the flames with water containers and fire extinguishers. Stranded puppies were rescued and moved to safety by those on the scene. By evening, the fire was under control, but 30 hectares of forest land were reported damaged.
Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Muhittin Böcek expressed gratitude to all teams who worked tirelessly, both by air and land, to combat the fire from the very beginning.
