Turkish television showed images of crews dumping a flame retardant substance from helicopters onto burning houses and fields in and around the coastal city of Manavgat.
Local authorities say that four districts have been evacuated and that the fire is partially under control. Around 500 people are said to have moved out of the city, which is a popular holiday destination for Russians and Eastern Europeans.
There is no overall overview of the number of evacuees. The television channel NTV reports that 20 houses have burned to the ground in one part of the city. Thick smoke rose into the sky, and the fire was visible from a long distance.
The resort is located about 75 kilometers east of Antalya.
The mayor of Antalya, Muhittin Bocek, says that the fire apparently occurred in four places at the same time and that the authorities suspect arson.
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