Firefighters continued battling multiple wildfires across southern and western Türkiye on Thursday, as extreme summer temperatures and strong winds fueled blazes in Antalya, Muğla and Balıkesir, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents and disrupting transportation.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, active fires remained in Antalya's Kaş district, Muğla province, and parts of Balıkesir, while fires in Yalova's Armutlu, Kütahya's Domaniç and Altıntaş, and Çanakkale were brought under control.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı said emergency crews continue to work around the clock to contain the remaining fires, with aerial and ground operations focused on preventing the flames from spreading to residential areas and forests.

Hundreds evacuated in Muğla

The most severe wildfire was reported in Seydikemer, a district in Muğla located between the popular tourist destinations of Fethiye and Marmaris.

The blaze, which erupted on agricultural land before spreading into nearby forests, prompted authorities to evacuate 408 homes, relocating 703 residents and approximately 100 animals to safer locations.

Officials also evacuated 45 patients from the district's state hospital as a precaution.

Authorities said 55 buildings sustained damage, with several homes completely destroyed.

More than 25 firefighting aircraft, 410 ground vehicles and over 1,100 personnel have been deployed to combat the blaze.

Antalya wildfire damages homes

In Kumluca, south of Antalya, firefighters managed to contain the main fire after it destroyed 10 homes, although cooling operations continued to prevent reignition.

Meanwhile, an active wildfire continued to burn in woodland surrounding Kaş, one of Türkiye's most popular Mediterranean tourism destinations known for diving, yachting and the ancient Lycian coastline.

As a safety measure, access to the ancient city of Olympos was temporarily suspended.

Smoke from the fires also forced the temporary closure of the Fethiye–Antalya highway, a key route connecting major tourist centers. Traffic later resumed under controlled conditions.

Fires threaten Aegean communities

In Balıkesir Province, firefighters responded to five separate wildfires.

The largest erupted near Altınoluk, a coastal town famous for its olive groves and proximity to the ancient city of Antandros, where advancing flames threatened residential neighborhoods.

Authorities evacuated 210 homes as a precaution.

Another wildfire in Gömeç remained active Thursday, with six aircraft, five helicopters and dozens of fire engines deployed to contain the flames.

Extreme heat fuels wildfire risk

Türkiye has experienced exceptionally high temperatures in recent weeks, with meteorologists warning that hot, dry conditions combined with strong winds continue to create ideal conditions for wildfires.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid activities that could spark new fires, including burning agricultural waste, lighting campfires and discarding cigarette butts in forested areas.

The government has also reminded the public that many forested regions remain under temporary access restrictions to reduce wildfire risks during the peak summer season.

Wildfires are a recurring challenge across Türkiye between June and October, particularly in Mediterranean and Aegean provinces, where prolonged heatwaves and low humidity have increased the frequency and intensity of fires in recent years. Emergency officials said firefighting operations would continue until all active blazes are fully contained. (ILKHA)