At least 150 people evacuated in Turkey due to forest fires

Firefighters battled a wildfire in southwestern Turkey from land and air on Thursday, as hopes that the blazes were contained fizzled after they spread again due to high temperatures and windy conditions.

Scenes of burning woodland near the Aegean coastal resort of Marmaris sparked fears of a repeat of last year's fires that devastated tens of thousands of hectares  across the region.

Helicopters and planes dropped water on the flames throughout the day on Wednesday and authorities said they would get back out again on Thursday after pausing overnight.

The cause of the fire, which began at around 8 p.m. (17:00 GMT) on Tuesday is not clear.

Forestry Minister Vahit Kirisci said on Wednesday that the fire was under control but later said it had spread again, fanned by wind and hot weather.

Some 150 people from 51 houses were evacuated as a precaution, he said, adding that some 2,600 people were working to contain the fire.

Turkey's forestry authority said that 27 helicopters and 14 planes would be involved in tackling the fire on Thursday.