Fire risk and environmental warnings in Turkey

In Turkey, officials and agricultural experts have issued warnings regarding fire risks and environmental damage related to vegetation and agricultural practices.

In Eskişehir, local officials warned of increased wildfire risks due to overgrown, dried vegetation along the road between the Kızılinler and Kalabak neighborhoods. İbrahim Can, the Muhtar of Kızılinler, noted that the grass has reached over 50 centimeters and is highly flammable, suggesting that sparks from vehicles could trigger disasters near forested areas. Residents have requested cleaning operations from the municipality and the Forestry Regional Directorate.

Separately, the Turkish Union of Agricultural High Engineers warned farmers against the practice of burning stubble after harvesting wheat and barley. President Fehmi Kiraz stated that while used to simplify field preparation, burning destroys beneficial microorganisms and organic matter, damaging soil fertility and increasing erosion risks. Experts advised plowing residues back into the earth to act as natural fertilizer and noted that stubble fires threaten forests, residential areas, and energy lines.