Turkey endures record heat wave, issuing health warnings and fire restrictions

Meteorological authorities warned that Istanbul will face the year's hottest day, with temperatures reaching 48 °C in direct sun and a felt temperature of about 42 °C. Health officials advised vulnerable groups—elderly, those with chronic illnesses and heart conditions—to stay indoors, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Across the country, municipalities and provincial governments announced extensive fire‑prevention measures. Orhangazi district began large‑scale cleaning of dry vegetation, while Tokat imposed a ban on entry to all forested areas outside designated parks from 1 July to 30 October. Manisa reported 50 fires in a single day, prompting intensive firefighting with helicopters, aircraft and dozens of ground crews. In İzmir’s Dikili district, several wildfires spread from agricultural fields to forested land, requiring aerial drops and evacuations of nearby settlements. Bursa’s historic Kayhan market fire destroyed six businesses and caused roughly 30 million TRY in damage. Additional incidents included a municipal‑building fire in Efeler, a village‑level fire in Bursa halted by a local youth fire‑truck team, and a blaze in Diyarbakır’s Karacabey district that sparked renewed calls for public vigilance.

Authorities emphasized strict prohibitions on open fires, cooking outdoors, and the use of fireworks in high‑risk zones, urging citizens to report any smoke promptly to emergency services.