06.06.2026 10:51
The Istanbul Governorship announced that, in order to prevent forest fires, entry into forested areas is prohibited between June 8, 2026 and October 15, 2026, except for certain picnic and recreation areas.
The Governorship of Istanbul announced that access to forest areas, except for certain picnic areas, has been banned to prevent forest fires.
BAN STARTS ON MONDAY
In a statement from the Governorship of Istanbul, it was stated: 'With the arrival of the summer season, it has been observed that the density of people and vehicles in forest areas has increased. This density also increases the risk of forest fires. As the Governorship of Istanbul, we have adopted a series of precautionary measures to prevent forest fires that may arise due to deliberate or negligent behavior. In this context; pursuant to Article 74 of the Forest Law No. 6831 and Articles 9 and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442, entry to forest areas in Istanbul has been prohibited between June 8, 2026 and October 15, 2026. There is no restriction decision for activities such as picnicking, sports, hiking, etc. in the picnic and recreation areas, groves, parks, nature parks, and eco-tourism areas located within the provincial borders of Istanbul and specified in the list below.'
LIGHTING FIRES IS BANNED
The statement continued: 'Except for the areas on the list, vehicle or pedestrian entry to all forest areas, as well as lighting barbecues, using gas cylinders, lighting hookahs, or lighting fires for various purposes, is prohibited. Within the scope of Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law, burning of stubble, clearing of orchards, olive groves, fields, trees, branches, and any type of vegetation in all villages and neighborhoods, especially those inside or adjacent to forests or unrelated to forests, is prohibited. Facilities and industrial establishments near forest areas shall take all precautionary measures against the risk of fire that may arise from any activity affecting forest areas. Organizations responsible for the construction and maintenance of power transmission lines (BEDAŞ, AYEDAŞ, TEİAŞ) shall carry out necessary maintenance on sections of power lines, especially those passing through forest areas, take all measures against fire risk, and implement power cuts when necessary. All our municipalities shall create a protection band around garbage collection areas located inside, at the edge of, or adjacent to forests, and keep necessary construction machinery (dozers, loaders, excavators) ready against fire risk. Inspection teams formed from general law enforcement and forest law enforcement, under the coordination of our district governorates and the Regional Directorate of Forestry, will carry out effective monitoring and inspection activities. In necessary cases, upon the order of our district governorates, all public and private sector resources will be used for effective combat against possible fires. Administrative and legal action will be taken against those who act contrary to the above decisions and measures, as stipulated by the relevant laws.'