28.07.2025 18:06
Turkey is battling a series of forest fires. Shortly after Agriculture and Forestry Minister Yumaklı's warning that "this week is more risky," a fire broke out in the Bornova district of Izmir, and the flames spread to the Buca district due to the wind. Meanwhile, efforts to combat the flames are also ongoing in Harmancık, Bursa.
With the hot weather, the increasing forest fires continue to burn our lungs. As the fire in Karabük enters its 6th day, the fire in Bursa Harmancık has been burning for 3 days. Just minutes after Agriculture and Forestry Minister Yumaklı's words, "This week is more risky," a forest fire broke out in the Bornova district of İzmir.
IZMIR'S TWO DISTRICTS ARE BURNING A fire broke out in the forested area of Gökdere Neighborhood in Bornova for an undetermined reason. Upon notification, 4 planes, 6 helicopters, 16 fire trucks, 4 water supply vehicles, and 3 bulldozers were dispatched to the region from the İzmir Forest Regional Directorate. The flames spread to the borders of the Buca district due to the wind. Efforts to control the fire are ongoing.
A SECTION OF THE ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC Vehicles traveling from Buca to Bornova on the ring road were stopped at the Gökdere area (Işıkkent Ramps) due to the fire. Authorities closed this section of the road to vehicle traffic for safety reasons. Traffic coming from Buca is directed towards Torbalı, while vehicles coming from the Torbalı direction are redirected towards Buca.
Citizens are also supporting the extinguishing efforts of the teams. THE FIRES IN KAHRAMANMARAŞ AND KESTEL HAVE BEEN EXTINGUISHED Meanwhile, Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı made statements regarding the latest situation of forest fires in our country at the Fire Management Center in Ankara. Minister Yumaklı reported that the fires in Kestel, Bursa, and Onikişubat district of Kahramanmaraş have largely been brought under control, stating:
"Cooling efforts are ongoing in these areas. Especially during these days when the air temperatures are extremely high, we will not let our guard down. Our cooling efforts will continue until the risk is reduced to zero. The energy of the fire in Karabük Safranbolu has been significantly reduced. The area is in very good condition. Currently, our teams are focusing on certain areas where there are small smolderings due to temperature. They are quickly intervening without missing any point and continuing to maintain control of the area while also continuing cooling efforts. We will share this with our valuable citizens in areas where we can say it is completely under control and the risk has been eliminated. Currently, one plane and 16 helicopters are involved in the fire, primarily focusing on cooling efforts in inaccessible areas with small smolderings. I can say that we will be able to provide good news regarding this fire in the coming hours."
BURSA HARMANCIK FIRE: THE INTENSITY HAS BEEN GREATLY REDUCED Stating that the fire in Bursa Harmancık is ongoing, Yumaklı noted:
"As of yesterday, there were very intense burnings in certain areas due to the wind. Throughout the night, our teams surrounded the entire fire area and intervened directly. The intensity has now been greatly reduced. Thank God, it is getting better. We are continuing our intervention with 5 planes, 30 helicopters, 855 ground vehicles, and 2,300 personnel regarding this fire.
While fighting both fires, unfortunately, we experienced a tragic incident in the evening hours. A tanker carrying water to the forest fire in Kestel had an accident, and 3 of our citizens lost their lives. I wish patience to their families and loved ones.
"WE ARE IN A VERY RISKY WEEK" We are in a very risky week. We will continue to be on alert. The information given for this week indicates that the situation is somewhat riskier than last week in our country. Therefore, as always, let’s not light fires outside without taking precautions. If there is any sign of fire, let’s immediately call 112.
We stated that we would not respond to lies, distortions, and rumors in our statements. However, together with our Communication Presidency, we have prepared a booklet titled "Claims and Facts Regarding Forest Fires" regarding many issues that have been frequently raised. Our Communication Presidency has published this. We will also publish it from our ministry accounts. There, you can find the correct versions of many issues that are on the agenda.