Wildfires Rage Through Turkish Pine Forests As Crews Battle Flames And Smoke

Turkish forestry crews battled fires that began in non-forest areas and spread into woodland, with footage showing flames and thick smoke rising over pine trees.

In Karaisalı and Feke in Adana, near the Kayseri Yahyalı border, the fires were largely brought under control by the time of the September 7 update, while cooling operations continued. The initial response involved two aircraft, eight helicopters, 45 water tenders and 263 personnel.

The video shows an elevated platform above dense pine canopy as orange-yellow smoke and fire glow rise through the trees. Ground-level footage then shows firefighters moving through smoke with hoses across charred terrain.

In Antalya’s Aksu district, a fire that began in a non-forest area continued to be fought with full force. Driven by wind and spreading through ember and spot fires, it remained active overnight.

The daytime response in Aksu included three aircraft, nine helicopters, dozens of engines, and later around 110 water tenders and 610 personnel after aerial operations stopped after dark.

Yeşilkaraman and Karaöz neighborhoods and an animal shelter were evacuated as a precaution, while at least one house burned. Smoke was visible around 70 kilometers away in Manavgat.

The forestry service urged the public not to light fires in open areas, warning that even the smallest negligence could threaten the country’s forests.