Britons in Turkey warn as wildfires rage, say ‘relocation may be necessary’

British holidaymakers were given a stark warning as fires broke out, with officials suggesting they may need to evacuate. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to help tourists navigate the extreme heat and provide guidance on emergency procedures.

Fires raging in southeastern Turkey have triggered dire warnings for British tourists who could face evacuation orders. Helicopters were sent over Diyarbakir and Mardi provinces in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames from above. Two hotels and several homes have already been evacuated as winds fan the flames.

In Izmir’s Selcuk district, efforts are underway to fight forest fires by both air and ground teams. After an overnight break, firefighting resumed today (Sunday, June 30) at dawn, with helicopters and planes resuming the battle.

Throughout the night, three helicopters equipped with night vision assisted the firefighting efforts. Tragically, the fire, which broke out on Thursday and continued until Friday, killed hundreds of animals, the Mirror reports.

With temperatures recently rising above 40C (104F), Turkey’s landscapes have become incredibly fire-prone. Authorities are now investigating the origins of this latest devastating fire.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya named “burning stubble” as the contributing factor to the skyrocketing flames. An updated emergency advisory has been released by the Foreign Office which can be found here.

The advisory said: “Wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable. They can start easily and spread quickly, especially during periods of extreme heat. Starting a forest fire can be a criminal offence, even if unintentional. empty bottles in the back, follow local rules and signs when lighting barbecues, often barbecues are only allowed in designated areas on a concrete base, and always extinguish barbecues before leaving.”

The high risk posed by extreme temperatures in Turkey during the summer months, leading to the recurrence of forest fires, has been highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement continued: “You can be fined or jailed for lighting a fire of any kind or for throwing cigarettes in risk areas such as woodlands. Barbecues are prohibited in these areas.”

“If there is a bushfire in your area, the local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.”

As evidenced by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Turkey has already been subject to 74 wildfires this year, which have decimated approximately 31,900 acres of land.