Turkey imposes summer forest entry bans in Istanbul and Bursa

The Istanbul Governor’s Office announced that, from 8 June to 15 October 2026, public access to forested areas outside designated picnic sites will be prohibited. The decree bans vehicle entry, barbecuing, gas‑cylinder use, hookah and any open‑flame activities, citing a rise in visitor traffic that raises wildfire risk. Violations will be subject to administrative and criminal penalties. Enforcement will involve forest police, gendarmerie, municipal teams and energy‑grid operators, which are also required to suspend power lines near forests if needed.

A similar order was issued by the Bursa Governor and the Bursa Forest Fire Prevention Commission, restricting forest entry, picnicking and open‑flame activities between 16 May and 1 October 2026. The Bursa regulation adds distance‑based bans, prohibiting any fire‑related activity within four kilometres of forest margins and requiring permits for motor‑bike, ATV and bicycle events. Both provinces emphasize heightened monitoring and joint patrols to deter illegal fires during the hot, dry summer months.

Authorities stress that these measures are intended to protect forest ecosystems and prevent large‑scale fires that could threaten nearby settlements and infrastructure.