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Turkey's forest fire management initiatives

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2026-07-27 13:02 UTC → 2026-07-27 14:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In early July 2026 Turkey expanded its domestic fire‑monitoring capacity by deploying a fleet of 12 UAVs equipped with thermal cameras from its forest service. Operating from observation towers across the Hatay, Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea regions, the drones can detect heat signatures ahead of visible smoke and stream live video to the national fire coordination centre, improving rapid response. On 26 July, Turkey dispatched two fire‑fighting aircraft to Spain after the Spanish authorities requested aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The assistance arrived amid a severe wildfire crisis that had burned more than 77,000 hectares in Spain and over 116,000 hectares in France, forcing the evacuation of more than 330,000 people. The deployment was part of a broader EU response that included aircraft from Greece, Italy and other member states, and was praised by European Parliament member Nacho ~~Sanchez~~ Sánchez Amor, who thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the swift help. The same dispatch formed part of an EU‑coordinated operation that also mobilised aircraft and helicopters from the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Slovakia and Sweden. The Turkish planes were sent under Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı, with the EU Commission confirming the joint effort and Copernicus satellite imagery supporting emergency mapping. French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened crisis cabinets to manage the disaster, while EU officials again thanked President Erdoğan for Turkey’s contribution. Turkish officials also warned that the same high temperatures and strong winds driving the fires abroad could raise fire risk within Turkey in the coming days. Together, these actions illustrate Turkey’s dual emphasis on strengthening early‑detection technology at home while actively participating in cross‑border disaster‑relief operations.

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