Fight against wildfires continues: 2 provinces declared disaster zones!

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that the provinces of Bilecik and İzmir, where forest fires have occurred, have been declared 'Disaster Zones Affecting General Life'.

Yerlikaya stated, "Our provinces of Bilecik and İzmir have been declared 'Disaster Zones Affecting General Life'. A total of 85 containers have been installed across 3 provinces, with 56 in İzmir, 26 in Bilecik, and 3 in Sakarya. A total of 128 million 492 thousand 242 TL in funding has been sent by AFAD to cover the damages caused by the fires."

Minister Yerlikaya shared the following information: "Between June 27 and July 24, to support firefighting efforts; 1,191 personnel and 198 Search/Rescue vehicles from AFAD, 8 thousand 953 personnel and 18 aircraft from our Gendarmerie General Command, 1,675 personnel, 3 helicopters, and 129 water cannon vehicles (TOMA) from our General Directorate of Security, and 237 personnel from our Coast Guard Command were deployed."

Yerlikaya noted the following:

"Citizens from 120 neighborhoods were moved to safe areas as a precaution during the forest fires. Citizens living in residential areas that have been brought under control and are no longer in danger have been allowed to return. Due to the fires; 1,157 buildings and 1,458 independent units were inspected in 9 provinces, and 311 residences, 16 workplaces, and 50 barns were determined to be destroyed or heavily damaged."

"DECLARED DISASTER ZONE AFFECTING GENERAL LIFE"

"Our provinces of Bilecik and İzmir have been declared “Disaster Zones Affecting General Life”. A total of 85 containers have been installed across 3 provinces, with 56 in İzmir, 26 in Bilecik, and 3 in Sakarya. A total of 128 million 492 thousand 242 TL in funding has been sent by AFAD to cover the damages caused by the fires.

According to damage assessment studies conducted by the Defterdarlık (local finance office) teams, payments of 76 million 810 thousand 766 TL by AFAD and 2 million 85 thousand TL by the Ministry of Family and Social Services have been made to 396 households in 7 provinces.

In the assessments made by the Disaster Food, Agriculture, and Livestock Group;

It was determined that 49 cattle, 37 small livestock, 171 poultry, and 4 thousand 175 beehives perished. Regarding the fire incidents that occurred between May 01 and July 24, 2025; by the Gendarmerie General Command; regarding 184 forest fires that occurred in 34 of our provinces between May 01 and July 24, 2025; 25 people were arrested, and judicial control decisions were issued for 47.

By the General Directorate of Security; regarding 56 forest fires that occurred between May 01 and July 24, 2025; 2 people were arrested, and judicial control decisions were issued for 2. It is of great importance that our citizens are much more cautious and take precautions to protect our forests, especially during hot summer days. May God protect our country and our nation from all kinds of disasters."