Mersin, Turkey forest fire extinguished; 145 residents evacuated

A forest fire broke out in the Eskiyürük Mahallesi Karatepe area of Aydıncık district, Mersin, on the morning of 9:20. The cause remains unknown. The Forest Regional Directorate mobilised more than 140 vehicles, including two aerial fire‑fighting aircraft, three helicopters, 35 water‑tankers and 15 supply trucks, together with 401 personnel, to combat the blaze.

After about ten hours the fire was brought under control, but cooling operations continued with helicopters and ground crews. The strong wind caused occasional flare‑ups, which were promptly suppressed. Eighty households, totaling 145 people, were evacuated to safe locations and provided temporary accommodation, with the governor’s office arranging shelter at a local technical school. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and no homes were damaged. The D‑400 highway, temporarily closed, was reopened, and the fire‑fighting unit from the nearby Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant assisted the effort. Governor Atilla Toros praised the response, noting the extensive use of dozers and water streams to protect the community.