Shocking video footage captured a massive wildfire tearing through a popular vacation destination in the Alanya district of Antalya, Turkey. Over 800 firefighters are currently battling the inferno, which forced holidaymakers to evacuate their hotels.

The wildfire originated in the Kundu area near Antalya on Saturday evening, affecting several tourist-popular hotels. Strong winds exacerbated the situation, causing the blaze to spread into neighboring Mugla and Aydin areas, prompting a significant emergency response.

The firefighting efforts involve more than 800 firefighters, 20 helicopters, and 14 additional aircraft to combat the raging wildfires. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the situation as a “truly great disaster,” with over 25,000 people joining in the emergency response.

Alanya Deputy Mayor Murat Levent Koçak highlighted the rapid spread of the fire due to strong winds, cautioning residents about the approaching danger. He reassured the public that emergency services were swiftly working to contain the blaze.

Throughout this summer, Turkey has been plagued by severe wildfires, forcing thousands of tourists and locals to flee. In July, over 1,500 individuals were evacuated from Bursa as flames surrounded the area. The wildfires, a recurring summer phenomenon, are fueled by unseasonably high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds.

Similar devastating wildfires have affected neighboring countries like Greece and Bulgaria. Greece witnessed more than 50 wildfires in a single day in July, leading to evacuations in parts of Athens. Bulgaria sought assistance from EU partners as fires erupted on its borders with Greece, Turkey, and Serbia.

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