# Forest fire prevention and technology in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-prevention-and-technology-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-09-05T15:37:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Authorities in Eastern Anatolia have launched intensive measures to protect 655,000 hectares of forest across several provinces, including Erzurum and Kars. The strategy utilizes advanced surveillance technology such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and camera traps to mitigate fire risks and protect local wildlife.

Serkan Karakurt, Erzurum Forest Regional Director, stated that approximately 90 percent of forest fires are caused by human negligence. He noted that due to high temperatures and strong winds, there is no longer a specific season for forest fires.

To address these risks, engineers Tamer Türkay Sabır and Eyüp Erkan have developed the KİRPİ ROCKET, an unmanned helicopter prototype designed to combat fires in dangerous or inaccessible areas. The system uses camera-based detection to navigate to fire locations and employs a suppression mechanism that combines water and solid soap to create foam. Following successful initial tests, the developers aim to scale the model and integrate artificial intelligence and solar panels.

Complementing these technological advancements, the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) has implemented a new regulation to increase forest resilience. The framework mandates strict inspections of harvesting machinery to ensure the presence of fire extinguishers and water tankers, with non-compliance resulting in suspended operations. Local officials are now authorized to ban forest entry during periods of high meteorological risk. The regulation also formalizes the use of satellite systems, sensor networks, and AI for risk analysis, while granting governors the authority to mobilize public sector personnel and equipment during emergencies.

## Claims

- The developers met at TEKNOFEST. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The helicopter is designed to reach fire zones that are inaccessible to people. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The firefighting mechanism was inspired by air motors used in aquariums. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Prototype tests have been completed successfully, including flying and extinguishing a fire. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The KİRPİ ROCKET helicopter model can remain airborne for up to 22 feet in certain configurations. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The General Directorate of Forestry prepared the Regulation on Forest Fire Fighting Activities. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The new regulation has been published in the Official Gazette and has entered into force. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Local chief administrative officials can ban entry to forests during critical periods of high fire risk. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The regulation allows for the use of satellite systems, UAVs, sensor networks, and AI-supported risk analysis for early detection. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Harvesting machines will be inspected to ensure they carry fire extinguishers and water tankers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Future plans include integrating artificial intelligence and solar panels into the design. (single source)
- Governors and district governors can direct public institutions to provide vehicles, equipment, and personnel to forest management during emergencies. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Turkey implements new forest fire fighting regulation

Turkey's General Directorate of Forestry has implemented a new regulation to combat forest fires using AI, UAVs, and satellite technology, while granting officials power to ban forest access during high-risk.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-implements-new-forest-fire-fighting-regulation

### 2026-08-28: Engineers develop unmanned helicopter for forest fire suppression

Engineers Tamer Türkay Sabır and Eyüp Erkan have developed an unmanned helicopter to fight forest fires in inaccessible areas, using AI and foam-based suppression technology.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/engineers-develop-unmanned-helicopter-for-forest-fire-suppression

### 2026-08-19: Eastern Anatolia implements high-tech forest protection

Authorities in Eastern Anatolia are using UAVs, drones, and camera traps to protect 655,000 hectares of forest from fires and illegal activities across six provinces.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eastern-anatolia-implements-high-tech-forest-protection

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Cite as: Forest fire prevention and technology in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/forest-fire-prevention-and-technology-in-turkey