Wildfires threaten residential areas, power plant in Bodrum

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Wildfires in Bodrum district in the southwestern province of Muğla are spreading rapidly and now threaten residential areas and a power plant, according to the district mayor.

Evacuations continued as the flames surrounded the Mazı Neighborhood and reached the Çökertme neighborhood.

Footage released by the mayor shows the fire in Çökertme:

Ne yazık ki tüm çabalarımıza rağmen Çökertme yanıyor. Saat oldu ne helikopter var ne uçak…Yol kapanıyor derhal Çökertme’yi terk edin… pic.twitter.com/brMdTYszeC

— Av. Muhammet Tokat (@MuhammetTokat48) August 1, 2021

The road to Çökertme is about to be closed due to the fire and citizens should leave immediately, Mayor Muhammet Tokat said on Twitter.

There are also concerns that the fires could reach the Kemerköy Coal-Fired Power Plant.

"Currently, the fire continues on the ridges right near Çökertme. [The fire] comes to Çökertme with the effect of the wind. Water tenders and planes are needed here. Helicopters have arrived but we are waiting for planes.

"Sprinklers and planes are needed here. Helicopters have arrived, but we are waiting for the planes. If the fires come down from the ridges, the Çökertme coast will suffer serious damage.

"Evacuations are underway. We are helping people who don't have vehicles. We are also evacuating animals."

More than 100 wildfires have erupted in 30 provinces since July 28, mainly in the tourist spots in southern and southwestern parts of the country. Antalya and Muğla on Turkey's Mediterranean coasts have suffered the heaviest damage in the fires. Eight people have been killed in Antalya so far. (AÖ/VK)