The flames erupted around noon, authorities reported, and quickly spread with the impact of the wind through the forest. 

The fire neared residential areas quickly, forcing residents of the Çolaklı, Evrenseki, Yeniköy and Haremler neighborhoods to evacuate their homes, Manavgat District Mayor Mustafa Yiğit said. 

Authorities have started air and land interventions on the fire that threatens olive groves alongside daphne and almond gardens in the region. 

"The fire is extremely widespread. We don't know what we're fighting against," Mayor Sözen said, adding that the fire is the largest ever observed in the area.

Authorities could not immediately say what caused the fire.

Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said authorities were battling the flames with a firefighting plane, 19 helicopters, 108 vehicles and some 400 personnel.