Infernal Wildfire Devours Antalya, Belek And Kundu: Are You Safe

Written By: Paramita Sarkar

Paramita Sarkar

Story-telling has been one of my favourite passtimes and when it is about travel, every other activity seems to fall short. I started my journey as a freelancer close to two decades ago having worked with various online portals inclduding Sambhar Stories, Thirllophilia and so on. Down the years, life has rewarded me with experiences, only adding to my writing practice. Even though teaching has been my primary profession and passion, choosing the job of a travel journalist was not quite dilemmatic when selected by the esteemed editorial team of Travel And Tour World. Knowing and letting readers know about the quaint yet intriguing desintions across the globe through writing is something I always cherish and put in my best endeavour to.

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September 22, 2025 12:48 AM

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A devastating wildfire has caused widespread panic across some of Turkey’s most popular holiday destinations: Antalya, Belek, and Kundu. The inferno, which broke out on Saturday evening in Kundu, has spread rapidly through the densely wooded areas near Belek, threatening resort properties along the coast. Thousands of tourists have been caught in the chaos, as hotels are forced to evacuate their guests. The wildfires have reached critical levels, with mass evacuations taking place across these regions.

Raging Fires Consume Popular Tourist Destinations: The Battle to Contain the Flames

By Sunday, the fierce blaze showed no signs of slowing down, forcing more than 800 firefighters, along with 20 helicopters and 14 aircraft, to launch an all-out assault on the flames. These fires have sparked chaos across the Antalya region, particularly in the popular Kundu district where several luxury hotels are located. With strong winds fueling the fire, it quickly spread to the neighbouring areas of Mugla and Aydin, leaving tourists and residents alike in a state of panic.

Local authorities are doing everything they can to contain the blaze, but the situation is worsening. Despite the concerted efforts of emergency services, tourists in hotels along the coastline are urged to stay calm and follow evacuation orders as they come. Turkey’s tourism hotspots, renowned for their beautiful beaches and resorts, are facing one of the worst fire seasons in years.

UK Foreign Office Issues Urgent Travel Warning to Brits in Affected Areas

The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory to British citizens in the affected areas, urging them to follow official instructions and evacuate immediately if told to do so. The Foreign Office warns that wildfires in Turkey, particularly during the summer months, have become a recurring and deadly occurrence. It also reminds travelers that fines and prison sentences are imposed for any fire-related violations, including discarding cigarettes in risky areas or starting a fire of any kind.

This latest disaster follows a series of similar incidents across the country, particularly in the Antalya region, which has suffered from fires throughout the summer. Authorities have emphasized the urgency of adhering to evacuation orders, stressing that ignoring these could lead to severe consequences.

Fires Threaten Not Only the Landscape but the Local Economy

As wildfires continue to rage in Kundu, Belek, and Antalya, the region’s tourism economy, heavily reliant on the summer influx of travelers, is suffering. Resort properties are under direct threat, and large parts of the surrounding areas are now closed off as firefighting efforts continue. The fires also threaten the livelihoods of thousands of local business owners who depend on the tourist trade. Local authorities have warned that these fires, fueled by extreme temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds, are wreaking havoc not just on nature, but also on the area’s economy.

Firefighters are working around the clock to protect infrastructure, but the long-term damage to the environment and local businesses could be severe. As tourists are evacuated from the hotels and resorts, authorities are advising them to stay updated through official channels and remain cautious of fire-prone zones.

The Fight Against Wildfires Intensifies: Firefighters Battle the Blaze from the Sky and Ground

In an effort to stop the wildfire’s spread, Turkey has mobilized its full range of resources. More than 800 firefighters are joined by air support, including helicopters and planes, to douse the fire with water and fire retardants. The crisis has drawn national and international attention, with many countries offering assistance.

Despite the valiant efforts of emergency services, the situation remains precarious. As the fires rage on, the government has called for additional reinforcements to help contain the threat, but the fire’s rapid spread poses a serious challenge. The wildfires have already claimed vast areas of forest and threaten even more resort properties in Belek and beyond.

Follow Emergency Guidelines

Tourists in the affected areas are urged to stay safe by following emergency evacuation orders and remaining in secure locations until further notice. The Foreign Office has cautioned travelers to avoid venturing into affected zones and to stay clear of active wildfire areas. They are also reminded to check the safety of their accommodation before returning to the region, as the fire risk continues to be high.

Anyone witnessing a wildfire is instructed to immediately call Turkey’s emergency services at 112. While the situation remains critical, tourists are urged to stay informed via local authorities and official travel advisories.

Stay Safe and Follow Official Instructions During This Ongoing Crisis

The wildfires in Antalya, Belek, and Kundu have escalated into a major crisis, with widespread evacuations and significant environmental damage. Turkey’s popular holiday regions are battling one of their most intense fire seasons to date, and the government is doing everything in its power to contain the crisis. However, it remains vital for tourists and locals alike to stay vigilant, follow evacuation procedures, and cooperate with authorities to mitigate the impact of this disaster. For the latest updates, travelers are advised to consult official sources like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ongoing travel advice.