Massive forest fires have broken out in Turkiye’s popular tourist province of Antalya. Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blazes which can be seen from as far away as 70 kilometres.
Published On 8 Sep 20268 Sep 2026
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Firefighters survey smoke from the Plaskett Fire burning Saturday in California’s Big Sur region. The fire expanded to more than 15,000 acres and was only 1% contained on Sunday. Photo courtesy California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Aug. 30 (UPI) — A pair of wildfires burning along California’s Big Sur region expanded quickly over the weekend, jumping containment lines, closing roads and triggering extensive evacuations.
The Plaskett fire and the Timber fire have been burning for weeks in the rugged terrain of Monterrey and San Luis Obispo counties about 200 miles south of San Francisco.
But strong, gusty winds on Saturday sparked a rapid escalation, prompting officials to close the scenic State Hwy. 1 and issue a series of new evacuation orders after the Plaskett Fire jumped containment lines overnight.
That fire ballooned to nearly 15,500 acres and was only `1% contained as of Sunday afternoon, while the Timber Fire had spread to 24,700 acres and was 21% contained.
Firefighters fought to save structures near Sand Dollar and Plaskett Creek, executing “tactical firing operations overnight as the fire backed toward structures and residences,” according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
The Plaskett fire crossed over the primary bulldozer containment line, officials said, even as ground teams supported by night flying helicopters fought to put out the “slop-overs.”
Monterrey County officials warned residents of Carmel Valley, Calif., to be ready for possible evacuation orders on Sunday as the fire advanced on the community. A mandatory evacuation order was issued later in day for an area southeast of Salmon Creek Trail and north of the San Luis Obispo County line.
The California Highway Patrol, meanwhile, closed Hwy. 1 just north of the county line, as well as further north at a location south of Little Sur River.
TWO earthquakes have rocked Granada, causing destruction across the region and the closure of popular attractions.
With a series of aftershocks also recorded, is it safe to travel to Spain? Here’s everything you need to know.
Granada in Andalusia has been affected by multiple earthquakes in the last five days.
The first earthquake hit the region over the weekend with a magnitude of 5.0 with its epicentre in Alhendín.
On August 15, a state of emergency was declared in the southern city as parts of buildings collapsed, rocks crushed cars and residents and holidaymakers were evacuated.
The tremor was felt across Andalusia and as far as Madrid, with locals reporting shakes in Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Jaen and Almeria.
It was then followed by a series of aftershocks.
On August 18 another powerful 4.6-magnitude earthquake hit Granada which left at least three people injured.
At the very centre of the earthquake was the small town of Gojar, a municipality around five miles south of the city of Granada.
Hotels and council buildings open to the public were forced to evacuate following the scare.
In a statement on X, the Granada City Council said: “In response to the latest seismic movements recorded in the province, the Granada City Council has agreed, as a preventive measure, to the temporary closure of all municipal buildings and facilities open to the public.”
One of the attractions that closed was parts of Alhambra, a fortress which is now a popular tourist attraction.
In Calle Navas, which is one of the most popular tourist streets in the city, bars were closed as authorities were concerned about falling debris.
Granada Cathedral remains closed while its exterior is examined.
Two 4 and 4.2-magnitude aftershocks also hit nearby Churriana de la Vega and Alhendín.
The travel advice for Spain remains unchanged. You can find all general information on the official FCDO website.
Yes, Granada Federico Garcia Lorca Airport remains open with flights operating as scheduled.
As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Spain, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.
Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.
If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, like wildfires and earthquakes.
So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.
If you want to cancel your trip or holiday, it is best to contact your airline and/or holiday provider.
Companies do not have an obligation to refund bookings unless Government advice changes.
