Istanbul bans forest access and open fires from June to October 2026

The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that entry to forested areas and any activity that could ignite fire—such as barbecues, gas stoves, campfires and hookah—will be prohibited nationwide from 8 June to 15 October 2026. The ban covers forest interiors, edges and adjacent villages, as well as the burning of trees, branches or vegetation on fields, gardens and orchards. Designated picnic, sports and walking areas in parks and eco‑tourism sites remain open.

Similar restrictions have been imposed in the provinces of Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar, where forest entry will be forbidden from early June until the end of October. Authorities will increase inspections, require municipalities, district governorates, forest directorates and energy‑line operators to take preventive measures, and violations will be subject to administrative and criminal penalties.