Strong winds are fueling a wildfire in Muğla province, affecting Menteşe and Ula districts and prompting the evacuation of three homes and nearby livestock. Firefighting teams are responding with air and ground assets, including seven aircraft, 13 helicopters, 32 vehicles and 232 personnel. The origin of the fire is still under investigation, while experts point to poorly maintained power lines as a common cause. Authorities say a separate fire in Antalya has been brought under control.
Strong Winds Drive Wildfire in Muğla — Homes and Livestock Evacuated as Crews Battle Blaze
FILE PHOTO - People fight the flames as wildfires spread across Izmir, reaching the central district of Gaziemir. (is associated with: «Strong winds fanning wildfire in south-western Turkey») Murat Kocabas/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds in Turkey's south-western Muğla province, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Monday. The blaze is affecting the neighbouring districts of Menteşe and Ula and has forced the evacuation of three homes as well as nearby cattle and sheep.
Firefighting Response
Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık told Anadolu that firefighting operations are being conducted both from the air and on the ground. Resources deployed to the scene include seven aircraft, 13 helicopters, 32 firefighting vehicles and 232 emergency personnel working to contain the flames and protect residents.
Impact And Evacuations
Authorities have moved occupants of the three homes and livestock to safety as crews focus on preventing the fire from spreading to additional communities. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Causes And Broader Context
Experts warn that many summer forest fires in Turkey are started by human activity. Cihan Erdönmez, an expert at Istanbul University, told reporters that poorly maintained power lines running through forested areas are a frequent ignition source. Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı said Turkey recorded more than 5,000 forest fires in 2025, with 96% attributed directly or indirectly to human causes.
The Turkish Forestry Directorate posted on X that a separate forest fire in Antalya province has been brought under control. Local officials continue to monitor conditions in Muğla as crews survey affected areas and assess further risks to homes and livestock.
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