Turkey’s Muğla and Kütahya forest fires brought under control
On July 23, multiple forest fires erupted in Turkey’s southwestern and western provinces. In Muğla’s Fethiye district, a blaze near Göcek spread across roughly 350 hectares of forest and threatened nearby neighborhoods. Authorities evacuated Inlice Mahallesi, deployed 417 forest‑service personnel, 19 helicopters, 5 firefighting aircraft and dozens of ground vehicles. By the following morning the fire’s energy was reported “greatly reduced,” and no injuries or fatalities occurred. Forest Director Bekir Karacabey credited rapid action by the General Directorate of Forestry, AFAD, local firefighters, volunteers and civil‑society groups, including the MAG AME volunteer team.
A separate incident near the Kütahya‑Eskişehir highway, allegedly sparked by an electrical line, was also contained quickly. Villagers noticed the flames early, alerted forest‑service crews, and together they prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding hills. Both incidents were managed without loss of life, and officials urged the public to remain vigilant during hot, windy conditions.
Overall, coordinated firefighting efforts across regions limited damage, protected residential areas and forest ecosystems, and highlighted the continued preparedness of Turkey’s emergency services.