Firefighters in Türkiye have made progress in controlling numerous wildfires across the country, but intense blazes continue to burn in the southern regions of Mersin and Hatay, forcing evacuations and triggering large-scale aerial and ground operations.

In Mersin’s Silifke district, a wildfire that ignited on Wednesday in forested areas near the Balandız and Kırtıl neighbourhoods continues to challenge firefighting crews. Strong winds and rugged terrain have complicated efforts, with teams working through the night to contain the blaze. At dawn, firefighting helicopters resumed operations, dropping water on persistent hotspots.

Authorities temporarily closed the Silifke–Gülnar highway, rerouting traffic to an alternative path. As a precaution, six neighbourhoods and five small settlements were evacuated. The operation in Silifke has deployed significant resources, including 10 helicopters, 122 ground vehicles, and 344 personnel, bolstered by 210 members of the Jandarma Commando Battalion and Silifke District Gendarmerie with 60 vehicles.

In Hatay’s Hassa district, a wildfire that broke out on Wednesday evening between the Bademli and Yukarıbucak neighbourhoods continued to burn into Thursday morning. Steep, inaccessible terrain has slowed firefighting efforts, with heavy machinery brought in to create access routes for crews.

Reinforcements from neighbouring provinces have joined the operation, which includes five helicopters and two firefighting planes. Local volunteers have supported the effort by providing snacks and water to firefighters. According to the Hatay governor’s office, 1,115 residents from Yukarıbucak and Bademli have been evacuated, with temporary shelters prepared if needed. As of 08:30 local time, 271 vehicles and 624 personnel were engaged in the response. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

Türkiye experiences frequent wildfires during the summer, with risks heightened by climate change and human activity. The government has significantly enhanced its aerial firefighting capabilities since the catastrophic 2021 fires, which destroyed thousands of hectares of forest and claimed several lives. Despite these efforts, the ongoing blazes underscore the challenges posed by increasingly severe wildfire seasons.

Firefighting operations continue in both regions as authorities work to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. (ILKHA)