Key facts
- One person died from a heart attack during a wildfire in Turkey's southern Antalya province.
- The death was attributed to smoke inhalation.
- Wildfires in Kumluca and Bozyazi districts are largely contained.
- Fires are still being fought in Aksu and Kozan districts.
- Residents are assisting firefighters with water transport.
One person died after suffering a heart attack during a wildfire in Turkey's southern Antalya province, a local official and broadcasters reported on Wednesday. The resident died after being affected by smoke from the fire, Aksu district mayor Isa Yildirim said in a post on X.
Turkey's forest authority stated that wildfires in Antalya's Kumluca district and Mersin's Bozyazi district had been largely brought under control, though efforts to fully extinguish them continued. Firefighters were also battling separate wildfires in Antalya's Aksu district and Adana's Kozan district, utilizing both aerial and ground water spraying.
Video footage depicted flames engulfing forested areas and thick smoke rising into the sky, with helicopters, aircraft, and fire trucks engaged in containment operations. Local residents, including farmers with tractors and water tankers, joined firefighting efforts to transport water to affected areas, according to broadcaster NTV.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico, the Turkey Feather Fire has burned over 21,000 acres in the Gila Wilderness with no containment yet, while the Laguna Fire is at approximately 15,000 acres and 45% contained, with smoke a concern for those with respiratory issues. The Oak Ridge Fire on the Navajo Nation is 93% contained.
In Texas, the Cottonwood Creek fire in San Saba County had burned 633.2 acres and reached 80% containment as of Thursday afternoon. Investigators identified the cause as a saw mounted on a skid-steer used at a pecan orchard. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for the region due to high winds and low humidity.
Discussion