Turkey launches mosque and school campaigns to boost forest‑fire awareness

In Anamur, Mersin Province, the district forest director Selahattin Yıldırım met with the local mufti Mehmet Fidan to coordinate public education on forest‑fire risks. The partnership will use mosques to disseminate messages about the summer fire danger, the seasonal ban on entering forest areas from 15 May to 30 Oct 2026, and the prohibition of barbecues in wooded zones.

Separately, the Muğla Forest Regional Directorate organised a fire‑prevention drill at Denizova Primary School. Students received classroom instruction on fire causes and emergency procedures, followed by a practical exercise using fire‑extinguishing equipment under the supervision of forest staff. The program stressed the importance of not lighting fires in forests, avoiding litter, and contacting the 112 emergency line if smoke is seen. Both initiatives aim to raise community awareness and reduce the likelihood of forest fires during the hot season.