Turkey forest fire response and recovery

In late July 2026, forest fires impacted the Mersin and Muğla provinces of Turkey. In Mersin’s Aydıncık district, a fire erupted in the Eskiyürük Mahallesi Karatepe area. The Forest Regional Directorate mobilized over 140 vehicles, including two aircraft, three helicopters, 35 water tankers, and 401 personnel. After approximately ten hours, the blaze was brought under control, though cooling operations continued to manage flare-ups caused by strong winds. While 80 households (145 people) were evacuated to a local technical school, no injuries or property damage were reported, and the D-400 highway was reopened. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant’s fire-fighting unit assisted in the response.

In the Seydikemer district of Muğla, a separate fire on 29 July caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land. As of August 2026, relief efforts are focused on rebuilding livelihoods. The Seydikemer District Governor's Office has begun distributing 114 small ruminants to farmers, following reports that approximately 70 small ruminants and seven large ruminants perished in the fires.

To support residents in neighborhoods such as Bayır, Sarıyer, Çatak, and Dere, the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is providing housing support through living containers and essential goods. Additionally, emergency aid payments and rental assistance are being implemented via AFAD to assist those who lost their homes.