Turkish president faces mounting criticism over deadly wildfires

A man leaves as advancing fires rage the Hisaronu area, Turkey, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. For the sixth straight day, Turkish firefighters battled Monday to control the blazes that are tearing through forests near Turkey’s beach destinations. Fed by strong winds and scorching temperatures, the fires that began Wednesday have left eight people dead. Residents and tourists have fled vacation resorts in flotillas of small boats or convoys of cars and trucks. (AP Photo)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government is facing increased criticism over its apparent poor response and inadequate preparedness for large-scale wildfires, as flames tear through forests and villages on the country’s southern coast.

Fed by strong winds and scorching temperatures, the fires that began on Wednesday have left eight people dead, and forced thousands of residents and tourists to flee homes and holiday resorts in boats or convoys of cars and trucks.