In Antalya continue to extinguish a major forest fire. Is there a danger to tourists

In the Turkish resort province of Antalya, the fight against a major forest fire continues for the second day, the correspondent of the Minsk-Novosti agency reports with reference to the Anadolu agency.

Photo is illustrative, photo by Depositphotos

The flames in the forest area of Aksu broke out on September 7 at about 18:00. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known. Due to strong winds, the fire quickly spread to four neighboring areas: Karaez, Ekshili, Kyzylli and Chamlybel, and also reached the borders of Deschemealti. Smoke from the fire was visible at a distance of up to 70 kilometers, and ash settled on the center of the popular resort of Antalya.

In extinguishing the fire involved more than 860 rescuers, 3 aircraft, 9 helicopters, 110 fire trucks, 149 fire engines, 25 units of heavy equipment, 54 special vehicles and 7 water cannons. As of the morning of September 8, the fire was largely under control. Elimination of fires continues.

Authorities conducted an emergency evacuation of residents of three microdistricts. Traffic along the Northern Ring Road and the Antalya-Ysparta highway was blocked due to heavy smoke and fire. At the moment, vacationers are not threatened by fire, but 10-20 kilometers from individual hearths are dozens of large hotels in the popular tourist areas of Belek and Lara. Despite the natural fire in the vicinity, Antalya airport is operating normally. Monitoring of the situation continues.