Wildfire in Türkiye's Marmaris 'largely under control': Minister

ANKARA/ANTALYA/MUGLA, Türkiye

A wildfire that broke out overnight in Türkiye’s southwestern Mugla province is now “largely under control,” a minister said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Vahit Kirisci said he was hopeful that the forest fire in the Aegean town of Marmaris will be completely extinguished Wednesday.

However, there is a risk that the blaze could spread because of strong winds, Kirisci said after conducting an aerial inspection of the area along with Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.

Soylu said 571 firefighting vehicles and aircraft are engaged in the ground and aerial operations coordinated by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

In an earlier update, AFAD said it had deployed 1,393 personnel, including 592 from the General Directorate of Forestry, as well as 338 vehicles and 35 construction equipment units.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is closely following the situation and has been in contact with relevant officials and authorities, Soylu added.

Mehmet Nadir Yagci, Mugla’s chief public prosecutor, said an investigation has been started to ascertain the cause of the fire, which remains unknown for now.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz