Istanbul authorities order removal of roadside grass to prevent fires

The Istanbul Governor’s Office issued a directive to a broad range of local and national agencies—including the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, district governorates, police and gendarmerie commands, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, road and rail directorates, and the regional forestry and agricultural directorates—to clear dried grass and other combustible material from road shoulders, especially along main arteries. The order cites rising summer temperatures, increased human and vehicle traffic, and sources such as cigarette butts, vehicle exhaust, and sparks from train tracks as fire hazards.

The directive also reinforces a ban on public access to forested picnic and recreation areas from 8 June 2026 through 15 October 2026, aimed at curbing forest fires. Officials emphasized that thorough cleaning of roadside vegetation is essential to prevent numerous potential fires during the hot season and urged all responsible bodies to ensure the measures are implemented without delay.