A burning reality: Turkey's test with wildfires

The increasing number of forest fires in Turkey has turned into a complex and multidimensional threat that cannot be explained solely by climate change or human-induced negligence. The rapid rise in the number of fires, the expansion of their impact areas, and the risk reaching residential zones make it imperative to re-evaluate current forest policies, the disaster management system, and societal preparedness. This situation is a crisis that deepens with its social, economic, and administrative dimensions, beyond just being an environmental issue. For effective combat, there is an urgent need for a holistic and sustainable strategy that extends from ecological planning to legal regulations, and from technological infrastructure to public awareness.

The numbers are alarming: Turkey is crossing a new threshold with wildfires

The number of forest fires, which averaged around 2,000 per year in the 2000s, reached a record high of 3,797 in 2024; in 2021, more than 139,000 hectares of land were burned. The fact that 10,000 hectares were reduced to ashes in just the first two days of 2025 clearly demonstrates the scale the wildfire threat has reached. EFFIS (European Forest Fire Information System)   According to the data, although Turkey appears to have lost less area in proportion to its forest assets compared to some other countries, the loss of life and property due to the proximity of fires to residential areas leads to much more severe consequences.

The extreme temperatures and strong winds that were effective in the summer of 2025 have carried the risk of fire even to regions previously considered safe. Thousands of people were evacuated in cities like Izmir and Bursa, and air and ground forces were mobilized to respond to hundreds of fires. The fact that the total amount of burned area in 2024 was exceeded by the middle of the year reveals how fragile Turkey's position is in the face of fires. Fires occurring especially in forest areas on the outskirts of cities directly threaten human life, agriculture, the economy, biodiversity, and urban safety, in addition to natural life.

All these events show that not only response capacity but also prevention, preparation, and coordination processes must be seriously strengthened. An effective fire policy is possible not only with technological tools but also with an educated society, strong local governments, and institutional cooperation. The fire risk Turkey faces is not temporary; it is a structural reality. Therefore, a holistic and long-term approach in disaster management, rather than fragmented solutions, is now an unavoidable necessity.

Turkey Besieged by the Climate Crisis: Fire is Now Everywhere

The Eastern Mediterranean region is one of the areas where global climate change is experienced most intensely and warming occurs most rapidly. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports define this region in terms of the increase in summer temperatures in the 21st century as a “climatic hotspot” Turkey's southern and western coasts are located in this high-risk belt and face temperatures that remain above average every year. In recent years, the effects of climate change have spread to the Southern Marmara, Western Black Sea, and the interior parts of the Aegean, which were previously considered low-risk areas for fires. This situation indicates that Turkey's climatic vulnerability is geographically expanding.

Rising temperatures, low humidity levels, and strong, variable winds significantly increase both the probability of fires starting and their potential to spread. In particular, dry seasons and irregular precipitation disrupt the moisture balance of forests, making vegetation drier and more flammable. Since temperatures that remain high even at night prevent the formation of dew, which normally provides moisture, fires can spread rapidly throughout the night. Furthermore, heat waves increase the speed at which a fire advances, making intervention even more difficult. All these conditions have turned forest fires in southern and western Turkey from a temporary danger into a permanent and structural risk.

Snapped Wires, Discarded Cigarette Butts, Burned Stubble: The Human-Caused Fire Spiral in Turkey

More than 90% of forest fires in Turkey are directly caused by human activities, which reveals that these fires are largely preventable. Intentionally set fires are usually motivated by rent-seeking, personal vendettas, or sabotage; fires that break out in forested areas under constitutional protection, especially in tourism regions, and raise suspicions of zoning development are frequently debated by the public.

Fires caused by negligence are just as destructive as those started intentionally. Unextinguished picnic fires, cigarette butts thrown into the forest, or glass shards creating a magnifying effect can turn into major disasters, especially during the dry summer months. This risk increases even further in tourist areas that attract large populations during the summer.

Another critical factor is poorly maintained power transmission lines. Sparks from transmission wires during windy weather can become a source of fire when they come into contact with dry ground cover. While energy infrastructures in developed countries are modernized with this risk in mind, there are still significant gaps in Turkey. The practice of stubble burning, which is frequently carried out in rural areas, is another factor that paves the way for forest fires by spreading uncontrollably.

The common denominator of all these risks is insufficient education and a low level of awareness. Public service announcements, environmental awareness studies, and local training programs remain limited; considering the fact that fires are caused by human hands, the expansion of preventive educational campaigns emerges as a vital necessity.

Burn, Regrow, Burn Again: The Vicious Cycle of Turkish Red Pine Must End 

Approximately 30% of Turkey's forests consist of oak, 23% of Turkish red pine, 17% of black pine, 7% of Scots pine, and the remaining 23% of other species. Especially in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, coniferous species such as the Turkish red pine, which require little water and can grow naturally, are common.

The insistence on planting Turkish red pine, especially in coastal regions, is based on economic rather than ecological grounds. This is because this species stands out with its rapid growth and suitability for industrial timber. However, spreading such a vulnerable species over large areas is a choice that invites disaster. A forest strategy that 'allows nothing but pine to live' structurally increases the risk of fire.

The high resin content of the Turkish red pine causes the fire to spread rapidly and intensely. Although this feature, which makes it difficult to control the fire especially in windy weather, allows species sensitive to fire to regenerate quickly, this cycle that occurs after a fire is not sustainable for the ecosystem. The presence of these fire-prone species poses a serious risk to a healthier and more balanced environment in the long term. Therefore, focusing on the protection of more resilient species that do not cause fires and reduce fire risk would be a more important strategy for environmental health and biodiversity.

Living with Flames: The High-Risk Price of Life on the Forest Edge

Another significant factor increasing these risks is the structural deficiencies in wildfire preparedness. Training programs for forest villagers are inadequate, and fire drills are not conducted in most regions. The lack of local volunteer teams, firefighting equipment, and early warning systems severely diminishes initial response capacity. Furthermore, in many residential areas, risk analyses for fires have not been conducted; critical information such as escape routes and evacuation times has not been planned.

Especially in regions where unplanned urbanization pushes against forest boundaries, it becomes easier for fires to reach residential areas. In some places, the failure to widen roads passing through forests and the failure to create firebreaks have caused flames to reach homes directly. Simple engineering adjustments in these areas could significantly reduce the impact of fires.

In developed countries, fire action plans for these areas are supported by drills conducted with the public. In Turkey, however, such measures usually come to the agenda only after a fire occurs. Yet, for a fire-resilient society, regular training, drills, and increasing local capacity are of great importance.

Institutional Vulnerabilities in Fire Response: Central or Local? Where Does the Power of Response Begin?

In recent years, Turkey has made significant technological investments to increase its disaster response power. Response capacity has been strengthened with 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, 14 UAVs, 776 observation towers, and approximately 6,000 land vehicles, while the early detection time has been reduced to 2 minutes. However, despite these technological advancements, structural problems that hinder the effective operation of the system persist.

The primary problem is the inequality in the geographical distribution of vehicles and resources, as well as the lack of coordination between institutions. When sufficient communication is not established between AFAD, the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), and local governments, the response time is prolonged, and the risk of the fire growing increases. When data obtained from UAVs and AI-supported systems are not shared with local teams in a timely manner, a rapid reaction cannot be achieved. The effectiveness of the investment made in technology depends on the strength of this information flow in the field.

Furthermore, the lack of clearly defined roles during moments of crisis slows down decision-making processes and weakens the success of interventions. The relatively limited capacity of local governments is a serious vulnerability for the structures that are expected to take the first step in an intervention. At this point, strengthening local governments is just as vital as increasing coordination with central structures.

President Erdoğan's statement regarding the organization of fire departments in provinces outside of metropolitan areas under AFAD has brought this debate to the forefront. If the goal is to transfer the units in these provinces to the central authority, the jurisdiction of local governments could be narrowed. However, if the objective is merely to provide capacity support, this approach should include strengthening all local governments; it should scale up intervention from the local level, not from the center.

In conclusion, for Turkey to achieve a more resilient structure against disasters, it is necessary to integrate technological infrastructure with local systems, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and support intervention teams with continuous training. Only in this way can effective disaster management be made possible by increasing institutional capacity.

Lack of Coordination Fuels the Fire: The Cost of Lost Time in a Crisis

Major forest fires, both in the past and present, have clearly revealed Turkey's structural weaknesses in disaster management. Delays in intervention and the lack of inter-institutional coordination demonstrate that the system cannot function adequately during moments of crisis. In particular, the sidelining of the Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) has weakened firefighting capacity, while the exclusion of local governments from crisis management centers has hindered the use of local knowledge and resources.

Response times to fires have been delayed due to a lack of sufficient coordination between central administration and local teams, which has paved the way for fires to grow. The 132,000 forest fire volunteers and local residents could have played a critical role in the response if they had been organized correctly. However, the failure to adequately integrate volunteer structures and local solutions into the process has hampered an effective struggle.

A similar lack of planning is evident in post-disaster processes. Because elements such as logistics management, public information, and social solidarity were not planned in advance, the effects of the crisis have deepened. This picture clearly demonstrates that local capacity must not be excluded in disaster management, volunteers must be better organized, and coordination mechanisms must be strengthened.

Public Education and the Awareness Problem: A Conscious Public is the Strongest Weapon Against Fire

The level of social education and awareness in the fight against fire in Turkey remains insufficient. In particular, citizens living in forest villages and rural areas have very limited access to the information necessary to act safely and effectively in the event of a fire. Although the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), AFAD, and some institutions have initiated training efforts, these initiatives have mostly remained limited to pilot projects and have not become sustainable.

The public's lack of knowledge regarding evacuation, mobilization, and first aid increases both the loss of life and the difficulties in intervention. During the major fires in the summer of 2025, many citizens were unable to predict the direction of the fire and acted in panic; in some villages, people were trapped in the middle of the flames without even knowing which way to escape. This situation clearly shows that evacuation procedures and basic knowledge about fire behavior are not being taught sufficiently.

In the fight against fire, knowing how the public should act at the right time and in the right way is just as vital as technical equipment. For this reason, the continuity of educational campaigns must be ensured; awareness-raising efforts that reach all segments of society should be conducted not just before fires, but at all times. Through local training and drills in villages, neighborhoods, and schools, the public's capacity for both preparation and response to fires can be strengthened. Education and awareness are the most critical tools for reducing the effects of disasters and accelerating response efforts.

Don't Fall Behind the World: Reason, Science, and Cooperation Are Essential Against Fire!

Countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, and Spain use integrated systems supported by multi-actor structures and advanced technologies against forest fires. These systems, operated through the cooperation of state institutions, local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the public, ensure effective disaster management. In Turkey, however, this holistic approach has not been fully established; coordination deficiencies persist, and the effective participation of local governments and the public in the process has not been achieved.

In developed countries, AI-supported early warning systems, sensor networks, and fire risk maps are used effectively; furthermore, fire-resistant tree belts are created, and land management methods such as controlled burning are implemented. The struggle is not limited to 'extinguishing' activities but also encompasses integrated policies for fire prevention, early detection, public education, and post-fire rehabilitation. In Turkey, such technologies and strategies have been implemented to a limited extent and have not been fully integrated with existing systems.

While it is a legal requirement in many countries that burned areas not be opened for development, that activities such as mining be prohibited, and that these areas be reforested, the fact that these rules are sometimes not sufficiently adhered to in Turkey remains a subject of public debate. This situation raises questions regarding the enforceability of environmental protection standards.

For Turkey to have more effective fire management, it is of great importance to increase the competence of local governments, expand the use of technology, and strengthen the legal framework. These steps will not only reduce the impact of fires but also increase the resilience of forest ecosystems.

Furthermore, it is necessary to systematically evaluate not only current practices but also past experiences. Fire records found in Ottoman archives can serve as an important source of data for understanding historical trends, regional risks, and structural vulnerabilities. Examining such documents will contribute to the creation of long-term risk maps and the establishment of fire policies on a solid historical foundation.

Forest Strategy Must Change in Green Bursa Under the Shadow of Flames: Transition from Flammable Green to Resilient Ecosystem is Essential!

Major fires experienced in Bursa in the last decade (Mudanya 2015 and 2018, Uludağ University 2024, Gürsu-Kestel-Orhaneli-Harmancık 2025), have clearly revealed the vulnerability in regions where forest texture is intertwined with settlements. The Turkish red pine forests, which are common on the outskirts of the city, pose a serious risk due to both their proximity to settlements and their highly flammable nature. Therefore, priority should be given to more fire-resistant broad-leaved species (Oak, Maple, Wild Fruits) and alternatives such as Stone Pine in the reforestation process.

The density of pine species in city parks and green spaces should also be reduced, and less flammable and more resilient species should be preferred in new plantings. Especially in regions where fires occur frequently, instead of establishing pure forests with a single species, focus should be placed on mixed stand structures and species diversity. Natural buffer zones that slow the progress of fire and resilient vegetation should be supported in this process.

Reforestation decisions should not be made solely by central institutions, but by a staff committee formed with the participation of local governments, universities, and experts, and should be based on scientific and long-term planning. Monoculture should be abandoned in favor of creating mixed forest structures that account for disaster risk and ecological balance.

Supportive Measures:

• Fire infrastructure: Forest roads and firebreaks should be widened, and arrangements should be made to facilitate access.

• Power lines: Systems that reduce the risk of sparks should be made mandatory; maintenance and monitoring processes should be supported by digital systems.

• Education and participation: Widespread training, drills, and awareness campaigns should be organized in rural areas through the cooperation of AFAD, the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), and local governments. A culture of pre-fire preparedness should be integrated into the education system and civil society initiatives.

• Coordination centers: Crisis centers where AFAD, the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), municipalities, and NGOs work together should be established in every province; task distribution must be clarified through drills.

• Legal oversight: Activities such as zoning and mining in burned areas must be strictly prohibited; these areas should be used solely for reforestation and ecological rehabilitation, and oversight processes must be conducted transparently and publicly.

• Technology integration: Existing drone, sensor, and artificial intelligence systems should be made compatible with local administrations, and data must be transmitted to field teams quickly and effectively.

• Air fleet: The Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK) should be reactivated, and aerial assets should be strengthened and positioned at strategic points.

• International cooperation: Technical knowledge exchange should be conducted with experienced countries, and joint exercises and projects should be developed.

• Public awareness: Continuous information should be provided through public service announcements, social media content, and local events; strong collaborations should be established with civil society.

• Transparent rehabilitation: The reforestation of burned areas must be carried out based on scientific criteria, and the process should be monitored in a way that is open to the public.

All these measures will provide permanent and sustainable solutions that will make both nature and society more resilient against wildfires.

CONCLUSION: A Holistic, Science-Based, and Collaborative Decisive Fire Strategy

In Turkey, forest fires are the collective result not only of natural conditions but also of human-induced negligence, structural deficiencies, and the climate crisis. Increasing risks make it imperative to move fire management away from a model focused solely on intervention and toward a preventive, holistic, and multi-actor approach. Preventing fires and mitigating their effects can be achieved through ecosystem-based forest policies, effective coordination between local and central institutions, public awareness, and the proper use of technology.

Technology is merely a tool; true success is achieved through informed individuals, strong local structures, and integrated crisis management. International examples demonstrate that multi-stakeholder and participatory systems yield more resilient results.Turkey, too, can build a more robust structure against this threat by developing a scientific and sustainable fire strategy tailored to its own unique conditions.

To reduce fire risk and protect forest ecosystems, resilient forest structures must be created, early warning systems must be strengthened, the public must be educated, and legal oversight mechanisms must be enforced with determination. Establishing a sustainable fire management system is possible; what is required is a comprehensive strategy, lasting cooperation, and a resolute will. A system shaped by education, technology, coordination, and legal support will make Turkey much more resilient against future fire threats.