Ankara: Trkiye is actively combating numerous wildfires across the nation, deploying over 5,000 personnel, more than 100 aircraft, and thousands of ground vehicles to manage the situation, as reported by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) on Sunday. The General Directorate of Forestry, with support from various institutions under the Trkiye Disaster Response Plan, is spearheading firefighting efforts both aerially and on the ground in high-risk provinces such as Karabuk, Bursa, Antalya, Mersin, Ankara, and Kahramanmaras.
According to Anadolu Agency, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated, "Yesterday, we fought 84 fires across the country-36 in forested areas and 48 in non-forest areas." He emphasized the continued high risk of wildfires throughout the country and urged citizens to remain vigilant until October 2025. Yumakli highlighted that Trkiye's southern Marmara, northern Aegean, western Black Sea, and interior Aegean regions are under critical risk, with resources strategically positioned to address these threats.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored the nation's relentless efforts in combating wildfires, stating that Trkiye remains on high alert to safeguard its "Green Homeland." In a statement shared on X, Erdogan detailed the extensive resources mobilized in this effort, including 27 aircraft, 105 helicopters, nearly 6,000 ground vehicles, 25,000 forestry personnel, and 132,000 volunteers. Since the onset of summer, 3,062 wildfires have been fully extinguished, and the president expressed optimism for positive outcomes from ongoing firefighting endeavors.
Erdogan also conveyed his gratitude to the dedicated personnel involved in these operations and extended his condolences to those who lost their lives in the process. "May God grant success to these heroes. I also pray for the souls of all our brothers and sisters who lost their lives while fighting these fires. May they rest in peace," he said.
As of the latest reports, AFAD confirmed that precautionary evacuations have been conducted in 10 provinces, affecting 53 residential areas, with residents now permitted to return. Additionally, 8,269 livestock animals have been relocated from at-risk areas in several provinces, including Afyonkarahisar, Bilecik, Eskisehir, and others.
Minister Yumakli announced that significant wildfires in Silifke (Mersin), Serik (Antalya), and the Usak-Sivasli region have been brought under control, with cooling operations ongoing in Gazipasa, Antalya. In Bursa, the fire in Yakuplar village is largely contained, although challenges persist in Bursa's Kestel district and Karabuk's Safranbolu district due to difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Efforts continue with nearly 2,000 personnel, six aircraft, and four helicopters deployed in Kestel, while another 1,386 personnel, three planes, and 16 helicopters are engaged in Safranbolu. In total, 928 homes and 1,839 people across 57 neighborhoods have been evacuated in Karabuk. In Kahramanmaras's 12 Subat district, the fire has spread into rocky terrain, with ongoing containment efforts.