Turkey faces heightened forest fire risk as summer approaches

University of Applied Sciences Isparta rector Prof. Yılmaz Çatal warned that, despite unusually wet conditions this year, Turkey’s forest fire season could be severe. He noted that the 2025‑2026 water year received 650.9 mm of rain—34 % above normal—and that spring temperatures were 0.8 °C below average, helping keep forest moisture high. However, he stressed that the July‑September period is critical and that about 88 % of Turkey’s forest fires are human‑caused, urging continued vigilance and preventive measures such as public awareness and forest management.

Prof. Doğanay Tolunay echoed the concerns, explaining that heavy spring rains have increased grass growth, which can become highly flammable “powder‑keg” material in the hot summer months. He highlighted that Turkey entered its fire season on 1 May and cited past large fires, such as the 2021 Manavgat blaze, to illustrate preparedness gaps despite the use of roughly 150 aircraft in the previous year. Tolunay also warned that El Niño‑related climate shifts could intensify fire risk, with impacts expected to grow from autumn onward and potentially last until 2027.