# Turkey forest fire response, May–Sep 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antalya-province-tightens-summer-forest-protection-with-access-bans-drone-patrols-and-pestcontrol-ca
> Updated: 2026-09-11T06:47:00.000Z. Sources: 544. Developments: 48.

Turkey’s 2026 fire season saw intense activity through July and August. In late July, a major surge occurred in southwestern provinces. In Muğla’s Seydikemer district, a blaze on 29 July prompted the evacuation of approximately 300 households and 600 residents. By 30 July, authorities reported 218 fires in the preceding three days, with over 5,000 hectares damaged in the Fethiye and Seydikemer regions. In mid-August, localized incidents continued. In Mudanya’s Dereköy neighborhood, a fire in agricultural land was prevented from reaching residential areas. In Edremit, a fire in pine forests and olive groves led to the arrest of a suspect, Y. Ç., after investigators determined the blaze was caused by sparks from a stone-based lighting device. On 15 August, a major forest fire in the Yalancıboğaz area of Marmaris required a massive coordinated response using naval landing ships and Coast Guard boats. By late August, Muğla faced further significant incidents, including evacuations in Fethiye and a fuel tanker explosion in Köyceğiz. On 29 August, high winds caused a fire in Seydikemer to spread into Antalya’s Kaş district. In early September, wildfires intensified across Antalya, Adana, and Mersin. In Antalya, fires in Aksu and Kepez forced the evacuation of 254 homes. The Aksu fire, which burned for three days, saw its intensity reduced despite high temperatures and low humidity, though a local resident died of a heart attack while assisting with firefighting. In Adana, fires in the Kozan, Aladağ, and İmamoğlu districts led to the evacuation of 835 people from 285 households and damaged approximately 2,000 hectares of land. Residents in Aladağ reported at least 16 damaged homes, while some in Kozan lost homes and livestock. In Mersin, a fire in the Tekeli region of Bozyazı spread rapidly due to wind, damaging greenhouses and olive groves and prompting precautionary evacuations.

## Claims

- Around 250 people were trapped on the beach of Agios Vasileios and rescued by sea vessels. (disputed by 25 sources)
- No casualties have been reported from the forest fires. (disputed by 17 sources)
- Two firefighters died while fighting a wildfire in Rethymno. (disputed by 9 sources)
- Fires started on July 31 in Xirofano and Kalami, Boeotia. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Strong winds accelerated the spread of the fires. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Two 112 alerts were issued at 08:19 and 08:42 directing residents to evacuate. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Approximately 60 firefighters, 3 EMODE teams, 19 vehicles, a helicopter, a fireboat and a fast‑boat were deployed. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Roads on the Thessaly‑Domvraina highway were closed because of the fire. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- Firefighting efforts are being conducted both from the air and on the ground. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The firefighting effort involved about 478 personnel, 153 ground vehicles and eight air assets (five helicopters and three aircraft). (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The fire threatened the Mutaflar and Tatarmemiş neighbourhoods in Aydın. (corroborated by 17 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Adana forest fires cause widespread destruction and displacement

Forest fires in Adana, Turkey, have destroyed 2,000 hectares of land and damaged numerous homes, leaving hundreds evacuated and residents calling for urgent disaster relief.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adana-forest-fires-cause-widespread-destruction-and-displacement

### 2026-09-09: Antalya, Adana, and Mersin battle major forest fires

Severe forest fires in Antalya, Adana, and Mersin have forced hundreds of evacuations and caused one death. Emergency crews are battling high temperatures and wind to control the blazes.

41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-spread-across-antalya-adana-and-mersin-in-turkey

### 2026-09-08: Bozyazı forest fire triggers emergency response in Mersin

A forest fire in the Tekeli region of Bozyazı, Mersin, has damaged greenhouses and olive groves, prompting evacuations and a large-scale emergency response involving municipal and state teams.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bozyaz-forest-fire-triggers-emergency-response-in-mersin

### 2026-09-07: Antalya wildfires destroy greenhouses and agricultural assets

Wildfires in Antalya, Turkey, have destroyed greenhouses, agricultural machinery, and hay bales, causing livestock deaths and significant economic losses for local farmers in Muratpaşa and Manavgat.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antalya-wildfires-cause-agricultural-damage-and-livestock-losses

### 2026-09-06: Turkey forest fires trigger mass evacuations in Antalya and Muğla

Widespread forest fires in Turkey's Antalya, Muğla, Adana, and Mersin regions have triggered mass evacuations, including over 250 homes in Antalya, and caused significant property damage.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/forest-fire-in-antalyas-serik-district-triggers-major-emergency-response

### 2026-08-29: Wildfires strike Muğla and Antalya, destroying over 20 boats

Wildfires in Muğla and Antalya have caused significant damage, including the destruction of over 20 boats at the Antalya Fishing Harbor and the temporary closure of Saklıkent Canyon.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antalya-fishermans-harbor-fire-destroys-over-20-boats

### 2026-08-28: Muğla forest fires brought under control after widespread evacuations

Forest fires across Muğla, including Fethiye and Köyceğiz, have been brought under control. Evacuations included 574 citizens and 64 nursing home residents, with no reported fatalities.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serik-district-fires-damage-agricultural-lands-in-antalya

### 2026-08-21: Wildfires erupt in Antalya and Muğla provinces of Turkey

Wildfires in Antalya's Kaş district and Muğla's Menteşe district have triggered intensive aerial and ground firefighting operations to protect nearby homes and forest areas.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-erupt-in-antalya-and-mula-provinces-of-turkey

### 2026-08-15: Marmaris forest fire controlled after naval and air intervention

A forest fire in Marmaris, Muğla, was brought under control after a massive response involving naval landing ships, aircraft, and helicopters due to the area's steep and inaccessible terrain.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kabakarg-bay-forest-fire-triggers-major-aerial-response-in-marmaris

### 2026-08-14: Wildfires reported in Mudanya and Edremit districts

Wildfires in Turkey's Mudanya and Edremit districts were controlled after spreading due to wind. One arrest was made in Edremit after a suspect's actions ignited dry grass and pine forests.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildfires-reported-in-mudanya-and-edremit-districts

### 2026-08-12: Turkey faces multiple fires and emergency restrictions

Turkey faces increased wildfire risks with bans on open-air fires in Çanakkale and multiple forest fires in Aydın, Muğla, and Antalya. A boat fire in Fethiye forced 115 people to evacuate into the sea.

44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seydikemer-provides-livestock-and-housing-aid-after-forest-fires

### 2026-08-04: Akhisar, Turkey receives 14 water tankers for forest fire response

Izmir Forest Regional Directorate delivered 14 water tankers to forest villages in Akhisar, Manisa, boosting early fire response; director Mahmut Yılmaz highlighted their importance and urged public vigilance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/akhisar-turkey-receives-14-water-tankers-for-forest-fire-response

### 2026-08-04: Turkey forest fire response reports free tunnel passage and massive aerial firefighting effort

Turkey’s fire agencies say no fees were charged for tunnel use during Muğla forest fires and highlight a massive aerial response: 8,975 flight hours, 18,954 sorties and 55,366 t of water dropped.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-forest-fire-response-reports-free-tunnel-passage-and-massive-aerial-firefighting-effort

### 2026-08-02: Turkey forest fires scorch 10 hectares in Kocaeli, 5 dunams in Gaziantep

Forest fires in Turkey’s Kocaeli and Gaziantep provinces burned 10 hectares and 5 dunams respectively, prompting coordinated ground and aerial firefighting efforts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-forest-fires-scorch-10-hectares-in-kocaeli-5-dunams-in-gaziantep

### 2026-08-01: Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announces arrests in Turkey's 44 forest fires

Turkey reports 44 forest fires in 16 provinces since 1 June 2026; 29 suspects identified, six arrested, nine under judicial control, and authorities pledge coordinated investigations and aid for affected locals

46 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-combats-widespread-forest-fires-with-ministerial-oversight-and-gendarmerie-patrols

### 2026-07-30: Aydın Çine forest fire continues, evacuations and aerial firefighting ongoing

Aydın’s Çine forest fire, started 30 July, has forced the evacuation of about 550 people, involves up to 800 responders and aerial assets, and remains active with no fatalities reported.

55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aydn-turkey-forest-fire-in-ine-district-burns-prompts-evacuations

### 2026-07-30: Turkey combats widespread forest fires, most under control

Turkey intervened in 260 forest fires, 213 fully controlled; 5,000 ha burned in Muğla, 408 homes evacuated, and minister urges public caution.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-fights-extensive-forest-fires-across-multiple-provinces

### 2026-07-28: Turkey battles multiple forest fires across five provinces, 169 incidents reported

Turkey reports 169 forest fire incidents, with 163 fully controlled; major efforts continue in Antalya, Isparta, Mersin, Muğla, Aydın and Balıkesir amid challenging weather.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-battles-multiple-forest-fires-across-five-provinces-169-incidents-reported

### 2026-07-27: Seydikemer and Kumluca Forest Fires Prompt Massive Evacuations in Turkey

Forest fires that started on 29 July 2026 in Seydikemer spread across southwestern Turkey, prompting evacuations of about 300 households, hospital patient transfers and highway closure, with no casualties and a

53 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-forest-fires-blaze-in-kalkan-and-kula

### 2026-07-25: Quickly Controlled Grass and Forest Fires in Malatya and Denizli, Turkey

Local fire crews quickly contained a grass fire in Malatya and a forest fire in Denizli, Turkey, both sparked by accidental ignition and reported to emergency services.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quickly-controlled-grass-and-forest-fires-in-malatya-and-denizli-turkey

### 2026-07-24: Turkey Enhances Forest Fire Readiness with Volunteer Training and Active Suppression

Turkey conducts volunteer forest‑fire training in Düzce and battles a blaze near Gaziantep’s Hancağız Dam, with ground crews and a helicopter bringing it under control.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-enhances-forest-fire-readiness-with-volunteer-training-and-active-suppression

### 2026-07-22: Turkey bolsters Tekirdağ forest fire response with 50 water tankers

Tekirdağ received 50 water tankers for forest, rural and house fire response, part of a plan to equip 60 villages by 2026 and curb fire risk amid rising temperatures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-bolsters-tekirda-forest-fire-response-with-50-water-tankers

### 2026-07-21: Turkey’s Muğla and Kütahya forest fires brought under control

Forest fires in Muğla (350 ha) and Kütahya were rapidly contained by Turkish authorities, with evacuations, hundreds of personnel, helicopters and volunteers, and no casualties reported.

36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ktahyas-emet-district-land-fire-prompts-panic-one-firefighter-hospitalized

### 2026-07-20: Eskişehir wildfire spreads to reforestation area in Seyitgazi district

A wind‑driven fire started on a field in Seyitgazi, Eskişehir, Turkey, spread to a reforestation area and prompted a helicopter and 73‑person response from multiple agencies.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/seyitgazi-district-fire-spreads-to-forest-emergency-teams-battle-blaze

### 2026-07-16: Bornova, Turkey Fire Controlled in Homeros Valley

A forest fire in Bornova’s Homeros Valley, Turkey, was quickly contained by municipal crews, the Forest Directorate, and aerial units; cooling operations continue.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bornova-turkey-fire-controlled-in-homeros-valley

### 2026-07-16: Istanbul bans fireworks and torches through Oct 2026 to curb fire risk

Istanbul has banned the sale and use of fireworks, flares and torches city‑wide from July 16 to Oct 28 2026 to prevent heat‑driven forest fires, with police inspections and penalties for violations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bans-fireworks-and-torches-through-oct-2026-to-curb-fire-risk

### 2026-07-14: Forest fires scorch parts of Turkey, prompting aerial and ground interventions

Multiple forest fires in Turkey this July burned large areas, spared a Bursa peach orchard, were quickly contained in İzmir, and prompted extensive aerial and ground response and evacuations in Manisa.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bursa-peach-orchard-survives-wildfire-yields-fruit

### 2026-07-08: Bodrum, Turkey blaze ignited by woman's suicide attempt destroys 10 hectares

A 61‑year‑old woman's suicide attempt sparked a fire in Bodrum, Turkey, burning 10 hectares of maquis. She was rescued with burns, and a large firefighting effort with helicopters and ground crews contained the

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bodrum-forest-fire-in-makilik-area-brought-under-control

### 2026-07-08: Kastamonu Governor Meftun Dallı Condemns Forest Litter After Summer Fires

Kastamonu Governor Meftun Dallı condemned forest litter after over 30 summer fires, urged a ban on picnics, and promoted a digital system to monitor the new disaster‑risk plan.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kastamonu-governor-meftun-dall-condemns-forest-litter-after-summer-fires

### 2026-07-07: İzmir arrests two men over sparks that ignited forest fires in Bornova and Buca

Two men were detained after sparks from an iron‑cutting machine in Bornova and a hammer in Buca ignited separate forest fires on 7 July 2026, burning roughly 11 dunams of forest and farmland in İzmir.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/izmir-arrests-two-men-over-sparks-that-ignited-forest-fires-in-bornova-and-buca

### 2026-07-07: Aydın Province Wildfires Prompt Evacuations and Calls for Citizen Water Tanker Support

Wildfires in Aydın Province, Turkey, forced evacuation prep for 20 homes in Bozdoğan and prompted local officials to request citizen water‑tanker help; similar fires in Didim were quickly contained with tanker‑

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aydn-province-wildfires-prompt-evacuations-and-calls-for-citizen-water-tanker-support

### 2026-07-04: Erzurum Governor Enforces New Forest Fire Prevention Rules

Erzurum Governor implements summer fire‑prevention rules, banning forest entry, open fires and burning, while deploying monitoring tech and equipment to curb forest fire risk.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erzurum-governor-enforces-new-forest-fire-prevention-rules

### 2026-07-02: Bursa boosts forest fire preparedness ahead of summer season

Bursa officials outlined expanded fire‑fighting resources, increased village tankers, new personnel and aerial support, stressing that 94 % of forest fires are human‑caused and urging community prevention.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-municipalities-in-bursa-and-aydn-launch-enhanced-forestfire-prevention-programs

### 2026-07-01: Turkey enacts forest‑area bans and reconstruction after recent wildfires

Turkey bans forest‑area access in multiple provinces to prevent wildfires and begins delivering rebuilt homes in Ödemiş after the 2022 blaze.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-agriculture-ministry-mandates-calorie-labeling-on-restaurant-menus

### 2026-07-01: Kars authorities impose forest fire bans and launch village water project

Kars officials extended forest‑fire bans on all non‑protected woods through Oct 2026 and prohibited open fires, while the provincial administration opened a 200 m water well in Ağadeve village delivering 4.5 L

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kars-authorities-impose-forest-fire-bans-and-launch-village-water-project

### 2026-06-28: Turkey outlines new forest fire prevention measures in Bursa and Bilecik

Turkish officials in Bursa and Bilecik propose preventive forest fire plans, calling for better coordination, stricter buffer zones and use of AI and drone technology.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-outlines-new-forest-fire-prevention-measures-in-bursa-and-bilecik

### 2026-06-24: Turkish fire officials warn of forest fire risks and deploy water tankers

Turkish officials in Düzce and Mardin urge fire‑prevention measures, with Düzce warning against burning waste and Mardin deploying 50 water tankers for quicker forest‑fire response.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-officials-warn-against-cropresidue-burning-to-curb-forest-fires

### 2026-06-16: Turkey Enacts Stubble Burning Ban and Boosts Fire Prevention Efforts

Turkey bans stubble burning with heavy fines and 24‑hour inspections, while İzmir experts urge infrastructure upgrades and early‑warning systems to curb forest fires.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-enacts-stubble-burning-ban-and-boosts-fire-prevention-efforts

### 2026-06-10: Turkey bans forest entry in Kilis and Tekirdağ amid fire risk

Turkey temporarily bans public access to forests in Kilis (June 10–Oct 31) and Tekirdağ (June 12–Oct 15) 2026 to prevent wildfires, prohibiting picnics, fires and waste burning, with penalties for violations.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-bans-forest-entry-in-kilis-and-tekirda-amid-fire-risk

### 2026-06-09: Istanbul authorities order removal of roadside grass to prevent fires

Istanbul’s governor ordered municipalities, police, transport and forestry agencies to clear dried roadside vegetation and enforce a summer forest‑area access ban to curb fire risk.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-authorities-order-removal-of-roadside-grass-to-prevent-fires

### 2026-06-07: Turkey bans forest access in Şırnak, Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar until September

Turkey barred forest entry in Şırnak (June‑Sept 2026) and in Eskişehir (June‑Oct) and Afyonkarahisar (June‑Sept) to curb wildfire risk, imposing fines and legal penalties for violations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-bans-forest-access-in-rnak-eskiehir-and-afyonkarahisar-until-september

### 2026-06-06: Istanbul bans forest access and open fires from June to October 2026

Turkey's Istanbul governor bans forest entry and open fires from June 8 to Oct 15 2026, extending similar restrictions to Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar, with heightened inspections and penalties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bans-forest-access-and-open-fires-from-june-to-october-2026

### 2026-06-05: Turkey bans forest access amid summer fire risk

Turkey restricts forest access in Kahramanmaraş and Eskişehir through October, citing record heat risks; experts warn of deadly fire conditions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-bans-forest-access-amid-summer-fire-risk

### 2026-06-05: Turkey imposes summer forest entry bans in Istanbul and Bursa

Turkey bans public access to most forest areas in Istanbul (June‑Oct 2026) and Bursa (May‑Oct 2026) to curb wildfire risk, imposing fines and enforcement by forest police and local agencies.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-bans-forest-entry-through-october-to-curb-fire-risk

### 2026-06-02: Turkey closes most of Kazdağları National Park to visitors from June 15 to curb forest fires

Turkey will bar visitors from most of Kazdağları National Park between June 15 and September 30 2026, closing about 19,000 ha to reduce forest‑fire risk while keeping a few day‑use sites open.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-closes-most-of-kazdalar-national-park-to-visitors-from-june-15-to-curb-forest-fires

### 2026-05-18: Turkey's 'Orman Benim' forest protection events held in Malatya, Bursa and nearby provinces

Turkey’s ‘Orman Benim’ campaign saw clean‑up events in Malatya and several western provinces to boost forest‑fire awareness.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-orman-benim-forest-protection-events-held-in-malatya-bursa-and-nearby-provinces

### 2026-05-13: Alanya launches joint campaign to curb Mediterranean pine bark beetle

Alanya’s municipality and forest office begin joint pest control using traps, spraying, and tree removal to fight Mediterranean pine bark beetles.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alanya-launches-joint-campaign-to-curb-mediterranean-pine-bark-beetle

### 2026-05-07: Antalya province bans forest entry through summer, deploys drones for fire prevention

Antalya bans forest entry May–Oct 2026, enforces 24/7 drone patrols and fire restrictions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antalya-province-bans-forest-entry-through-summer-deploys-drones-for-fire-prevention

---
Cite as: Turkey forest fire response, May–Sep 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antalya-province-tightens-summer-forest-protection-with-access-bans-drone-patrols-and-pestcontrol-ca