Antalya Fires Ride Out

[Commuter]

I am not sure if it has hit the headlines outside of Turkey, but we are experiencing the worst fires in the region here over the last few days. Details are here: http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/domestic/9569755.asp?gid=244&sz=68086

Why I don't know, but I thought it would be a good idea to take a ride to see them. I didn't want to burn myself so it needed to be early as the forecast for today was 42oC in the shade!

So early morning call (note it is still 20 something degrees outside!)

Anyway, I didn't need a map, I knew where the fires where and once on the open road, could see the direction to travel by the dark smoke in the sky.

The distance to the area I hoped to access was around 20kms away across country, I knew I was heading the right way as I could smell the smoke and soon started to come across signs of severe fires

I stopped on a crest of a hillside and observed some Fire planes, sorry the shots are not so good with my little camera:

I push on towards the smoke I see over a few hillsides and where the planes are heading, I am surprised not to be stopped, but it is very early and I am sure the authorities are busy dealing with all the people they have to move out . At this point I decide that I need to not become a problem and will turn back at the first sign of danger.....this happens sooner than I expect.

More to come.

 

[Commuter]

Into the fire

I head up a valley which I know well but find hard to recognise today as the landscape has changed:

I am amazed that the area has been so badly effected but I push on to a basin area I know the fire teams are set up from to attack the fire. There are signs of small fire everywhere as I cut through the valley. I soon arrive at the staging point which is just behind an abandoned Fuel Stop where gas was MUCH cheaper when they closed!

I spot the water pumping station and lots of very COOL fire engines within this 1 mile area:

Fire engines:

I move on to a heavier smoke area and follow this engine for a while, he seems to be a "spotter" and is on the radio a lot.

I stop for him to get ahead of me and park up, then this happens! Nice one!

I have forgotten how heavy the Pig is as I pick it up after removing jacket and helmet.

More to come.

 

[Commuter]

I move on.... and discover that I am now one of the only vehicles around apart from the water trucks and fire engines.

I come to a small village called TASGAI which has suffered some damage, I move on quickly as the police are moving every one away from the hot buildings.

I stop to view some smaller fires close up and look around and realise that there is a lot of "action" around with fires still spreading.

I decide it is time to turn around