A DROITWICH couple, who emigrated to Turkey, were evacuated from their home after deadly wildfires raged through their resort. 

Roger and Margaret Richards, from Droitwich, were rushed out of their home in Turunç on Friday evening (July 30), after the wildfires swept through the area.

The fires, which have been burning since last Wednesday, meant the couple had to pack a bag and spend two nights on a friend's boat. 

Mr Richards said they were evacuated via water taxis on Sunday afternoon to a hotel in Marmaris, after spending the weekend watching the devastation from sea. 

He said: "We could view the damage from Içmeler and Marmaris. It was just devastating. Something hopefully that we will never experience again". 

 

The couple, who moved to Turunç after retiring 16 years ago, said they are now safe at home. 

Mrs Richards said: "I couldn't stop crying thinking about my family. It's been three years since we've seen them because of the virus.

The village boys are working so very hard - they treat us like family."

"When we came back this morning by the mountain road, it was devastating. The trees in the forest were black ash on the ground. It looked like snow."

Officials informed the couple today that a helicopter was on its way to help put the last fire out, but they could be asked to leave again. 

Mrs Richards said so far, everyone from Turunç is safe and sound. 

Elsewhere,  at least eight people have been confirmed dead and more than 330 people have received medical treatment since the fires began.

Experts believe the wildfires broke out after a severe heatwave blasted southern Europe - with temperatures rising above 40C. 
The devastation has also hit Greece and Italy, but Turkey has been hit hard with nearly 235,000 acres burned.

In Turkey, the Mediterranean region has been most affected, including Antalya, Adana, Mersin and Marmaris.

The country suffered devastating wildfires in 2020 with over 40,000 acres forestland destroyed in 2,957 recorded blazes.