A wildfire that was threatening a thermal power plant in southern Turkey has been extinguished after an 11-hour battle.

The fire, which broke out in the district of Milas in the Turkish province of Mugla at the end of July, was threatening the Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant operating in the district of Yenikoy yesterday evening (4th August),

The incident led to the evacuation of residents in surrounding areas, however, the flames were eventually extinguished at around 8am today (5th August).

Fire engines and water tankers were positioned around the plant to protect it, however, the fire did not end up reaching the main buildings despite the threat of strong, unpredictable winds.

Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant personnel were evacuated in the evening and flammable onsite explosive materials were taken away.

Meanwhile, trees around the power plant were cut down and trenches were dug to add further protection, according to reports.

Milas mayor Muhammet Tokat announced the evacuation of the nearby areas of Oren, Alatepe, Kultak, Pinar, Camliica, Bayir, Basil, Demirciler, Bagdamlarıi and Karacaacac on social media.

According to the news site NTV, the fire services are continuing to battle the wildfires from both land and air.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said 167 fires have been brought under control in 33 provinces in the last eight days. Meanwhile, 16 fires continue in seven provinces.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced that eight people had lost their lives, and 1,170 people have been injured in the forest fires raging since 28th July.

A heatwave across southern Europe has sparked wildfires across the Mediterranean and is expected to continue in Greece and Turkey until the end of the week.