Wildfires force mass evacuations across southwestern Türkiye

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, severe wildfires fueled by strong winds and extreme heat broke out across the southwestern Turkish provinces of Muğla and Antalya. The situation necessitated the emergency evacuation of the Seydikemer State Hospital, with all 45 patients safely transferred to alternative facilities. Authorities also ordered the evacuation of 408 homes across six neighborhoods, relocating 703 residents and approximately 100 animals to ensure their safety. Fifty-five buildings have been reported as damaged or destroyed.

Major infrastructure, including sections of the Fethiye-Antalya and Kumluca-Kemer highways, were temporarily closed due to dense smoke and encroaching flames. The blaze in Seydikemer originated in agricultural land before spreading to adjacent forest areas. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı confirmed that while fires in regions like Yalova, Kütahya, and Çanakkale have been contained, the situation in Muğla, Antalya, and Balıkesir remains under close monitoring. A massive response effort is currently underway, involving over 25 aircraft, 410 ground vehicles, and more than 1,100 personnel dedicated to suppressing the active fires.