Raging Inferno: Strong Winds Push Sprawling Fire Into Aksu Neighborhoods and Greenhouses

ANTALYA, Türkiye — A devastating wildfire accelerated by fierce gusting winds has swept across a wide expanse of the Aksu district in southern Türkiye's Antalya province. The rapidly advancing flames breached residential perimeters and tore into agricultural zones, engulfing houses, structures, and valuable greenhouse crops.

The fire ignited in the Karaöz area and quickly spiraled out of control as winds reaching up to 30 kilometers per hour fanned embers across dry terrain. Driven by changing wind shifts, the blaze rapidly breached local containment lines, charging toward neighborhoods and forcing emergency responders and police units to launch urgent door-to-door evacuations.

Smoke and airborne ash drifted toward the regional capital as the flames threatened residential structures, nearby livestock, and agricultural compounds.

"They told me there was a fire near my house," shared local resident Muhammet Özdemir. "Both the right and left sides are burning—it came right up to my house."

The Aksu district, widely known for its essential role in Antalya's agricultural sector, suffered significant damage as intense heat and direct flames reached local greenhouses and crop plots. Plumes of dark smoke filled the sky as plastic and glass greenhouse coverings were compromised, threatening severe crop loss for regional farmers.

Over 700 residents across hundreds of homes were evacuated as a precaution alongside farm animals and municipal shelter occupants. Local authorities deployed water cannons, heavy machinery, and field teams to build temporary barricades and stop spot fires triggered by blowing debris.

The Regional Directorate of Forestry and local emergency services deployed hundreds of firefighters, fire engines, and water tankers alongside a fleet of firefighting helicopters and fixed-wing planes to battle the blazes from above. While air drops focused on heavy ignition points in outer forest sectors, ground units worked around the clock to defend threatened homes and secure perimeter lines.

Power companies temporarily cut service to nearly 3,000 subscribers in the region as a safety measure while emergency operations continued.