Brits soaking up the sun in a holiday destination have been put on high alert as wildfires rage through the area, with officials suggesting they might need to pack up and leave. The Foreign Office has stepped in, updating its travel guidance to help tourists cope with the extreme heat and advising on emergency procedures.
The infernos tearing through Turkey's southeast have prompted stark warnings for UK tourists, who may face evacuation orders. Helicopters have been deployed over Diyarbakir and Mardi provinces, making desperate attempts to douse the flames from above Two hotels and a number of houses have already been evacuated as winds spread the flames.
In Izmir's Selcuk district, relentless efforts continue to combat the forest fires by both air and ground teams. After pausing overnight, the firefighting resumed at dawn today (Sunday June 30), with helicopters and planes rejoining the battle.
Throughout the night, three helicopters equipped with night vision aided in the firefighting efforts. Tragically, the blaze, which ignited on Thursday and continued raging into Friday, has claimed the lives of hundreds of animals.
With temperatures soaring above 40C (104F) in recent days, Turkey's landscapes have become incredibly susceptible to fire. Authorities are now probing the origins of this latest devastating fire.
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Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has pointed fingers at "stubble burning" as the culprit behind the conflagration. Meanwhile, the Foreign Office is urging travellers to familiarise themselves with its updated emergency advice, available for review here.
IZMIR, TURKIYE - JUNE 29: The fire-fighting helicopter throws water towards the flames as smoke and flames rise over the forest amid extinguishing efforts by land and air in Selcuk district of Izmir, Turkiye on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Berkan Cetin/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Getty)The statement read: "Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. They can start easily and spread quickly, particularly during times of extreme heat. Causing a forest fire can be a criminal offence, even if unintentional. You should extinguish cigarette ends properly, , not leave empty bottles behind, follow local rules and signs when lighting barbecues; often barbecues are only allowed in designated areas on a concrete base, and always douse barbecues before leaving."
It highlighted the risk of extreme temperatures in Turkey over the summer months leading to frequent wildfires. The statement continued: "You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas."
"If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the directions of local authorities. If you see a wildfire, call emergency services on 112."
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Turkey has already experienced 74 wildfires this year, which have destroyed around 31,900 acres of land.
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