21.06.2025 10:02
The Istanbul Governorship announced the measures taken against the risk of forest fires. The governorship declared that access to forested areas, except for certain picnic and recreation areas throughout the megacity, is prohibited for activities such as lighting fires due to barbecues, gas cylinders, hookahs, etc., from June 23 to October 15.
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The Istanbul Governorship announced that entry to forested areas across the city is prohibited from June 23 to October 15 due to reasons such as barbecuing, using gas cylinders, and smoking hookah.
In a statement from the governorship, it was reported that with the summer season, there has been an increase in human and vehicle movement in forested areas, which raises the risk of forest fires due to intentional or negligent behaviors.
"ENTRY TO FORESTED AREAS IS PROHIBITED"
In the statement, it was noted that a series of measures have been decided to prevent these risks, stating, "Entry to forested areas across Istanbul, lighting fires for reasons such as barbecuing, using gas cylinders, smoking hookah, etc., is prohibited between June 23, 2025, and October 15, 2025, in accordance with Article 74 of the Forest Law No. 6831 and Articles 9 and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442. However, there are no restrictions on our fellow citizens of Istanbul engaging in barbecuing-picnicking, sports, walking, etc., in the designated picnic-recreation areas, nature parks, groves, parks, and eco-tourism areas."
"LIGHTING FIRES FOR REASONS SUCH AS STUBBLE, OLIVE GROVE, AND FIELD CLEANING IS PROHIBITED"
The statement emphasized that burning trees, branches, and all types of vegetation for reasons such as stubble, garden, olive grove, and field cleaning is prohibited, especially in villages and neighborhoods covered by Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law. It was also highlighted that facilities and industrial establishments near forest areas are obliged to take all necessary preventive measures against fire risks that may arise from any activities affecting forest areas.
"A PROTECTION ZONE WILL BE ESTABLISHED AROUND GARBAGE COLLECTION AREAS"
The statement underlined that organizations responsible for the construction and maintenance of energy transmission lines will carry out necessary maintenance in sections of energy lines that pass through forested areas and will take all necessary precautions against fire risks, including implementing power cuts when necessary. It was recorded:
"All our municipalities will establish a protection zone around garbage collection areas located within, at the edge of, and adjacent to forests and will keep necessary machinery (bulldozers, loaders, excavators) ready against fire risks. Citizens wishing to enter prohibited areas to feed stray animals will be able to feed the stray animals living in the forest, provided they inform the relevant district security units and forest management offices about their identity, the location, and the time they will be feeding, and obtain permission. These individuals are not exempt from the prohibitions on picnicking and lighting fires in prohibited areas. Inspection teams formed from general law enforcement and forest law enforcement under the coordination of our district governorships and the Forest Regional Directorate will carry out effective supervision and inspection. In necessary cases, effective intervention in potential fires will be ensured using all public and private sector resources upon the order of our district governorships.
Administrative and judicial actions will be taken against those who act contrary to the decisions and measures mentioned above in accordance with the Forest Law No. 6831, the Turkish Penal Code, and the Misdemeanor Law."
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