05.07.2026 17:10
Forest fires that broke out in three different districts of Balıkesir on the same day put teams on alert. While the fire on Cunda Island was brought under control in an hour and a half thanks to the intervention of teams, the fires in Kepsut and Altıeylül districts are being fought from the air with helicopters and from the ground with dozens of vehicles. It was reported that the flames in Kepsut were advancing toward residential areas due to the wind, and extinguishing efforts continue at full speed in areas under thick smoke.
Three fires breaking out consecutively on the same day in Balıkesir alarmed the teams.
FLAMES ADVANCING TOWARDS RESIDENTIAL AREA IN KEPSUT
A fire broke out in a non-forest area in the rural Göçenler neighborhood of Kepsut district around 11:00 AM. The flames quickly spread due to the wind and jumped to the forest.
As the flames progressed towards the neighboring Sarıfakılar neighborhood, numerous ground and air teams affiliated with the Balıkesir Regional Directorate of Forestry were dispatched to the area.
While the cause of the fire is being investigated, response to the flames continues from air and ground.
FIRE ON CUNDA ISLAND
A fire broke out around 10:30 AM in the forest covered with pine trees at the Ortunç location on Cunda Island in the Ayvalık district. Upon notification from those nearby, 3 vehicles and an 8-person team affiliated with the Ayvalık Fire Group Directorate were dispatched to the scene.
With the intervention of the teams, the flames were brought under control in 1.5 hours. While cooling operations continue, approximately 1 acre of area was damaged. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
SMOKE RISING FROM ALTIEYLÜL DISTRICT
In the Altıeylül district, a fire broke out in the forested area near the rural Bereketli neighborhood in the afternoon for an unknown reason.
Upon notification, teams from the Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department and the Balıkesir Regional Directorate of Forestry were dispatched to the area.
Efforts to bring the fire under control, which teams are combating from air and ground, continue. Helicopters are dropping water on the burning area in sorties to extinguish the fire, which continues under thick smoke over a wide area.