Turkey bans forest access amid summer fire risk

Turkish authorities have prohibited public entry to forested areas to curb wildfire danger as summer temperatures rise. In Kahramanmaraş, the governor announced that access to forest parks, nature reserves and eco‑tourism zones is barred until 31 October, with any breach subject to legal action. Similarly, the Eskişehir Forest Regional Directorate issued a ban on entering forest lands from 15 June to 15 October 2026, allowing activities only in designated picnic and nature parks. Enforcement will involve forest officials, gendarmerie and other agencies, and violations may incur administrative fines or criminal proceedings.

Experts warned that record‑high heat combined with humidity could produce deadly conditions and increase fire intensity. Prof. Dr. Levent Kurnaz of Boğaziçi University said, "High temperature together with high humidity can lead to lethal outcomes," referencing the 2003 French heat wave that caused 17 000 deaths. Prof. Dr. Ali Kavgacı added that the fire regime has shifted, with large fires now possible from June through November and hectares burned rising dramatically.

The combined measures and warnings aim to prevent a surge in forest fires during the upcoming hot season.