People evacuated by boats as fires rage in southwestern Turkey

MUGLA, TURKEY - AUGUST 01: Due to the dangers posed by nearby wildfires in Turkey's Aegean province of Mugla, people have been evacuated from beach by boats on Monday. Earlier the day, Turkish authorities maintain their tireless efforts to contain forest fires that erupted in various parts of the country, particularly the southern regions. Fire brigades took the fire in Mersin province under control according to Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli. The forest fire first emerged in the Silifke district on Thursday and spread to the Gulnar district on Saturday due to the strong wind. Intense efforts by the authorities helped contain the fire, which forced the evacuation of surrounding settlements to prevent possible life loss earlier. Meanwhile, the aerial extinguishing operations have started once again in the Marmaris and Koycegiz districts of the Mugla province in the southwest. The fire first set ablaze the forest in Sirinyer on Wednesday and spread to many other locations due to the wind, while Turkish authorities relentlessly fought against the fire day and night. Early in the morning, an aerial fleet containing 12 helicopters and three planes started their operation to put off the fires. Also, ground forces -- including a group of 100 Azerbaijanis sent to Turkey to assist the ongoing efforts -- along with locals, are fighting the fires. Additionally, the fire in the resort district of Bodrum in Mugla was contained, according to Pakdemirli, who said units were now cooling down the fire zones. (Footage by Ali Balli /Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)