23.08.2026 18:11
Flames rising in a forested area in the Gebze district of Kocaeli put teams on alert. The fire, which started near the Mollafenari neighborhood, was advancing toward the Ballıkayalar area under the influence of wind, while fire department and Regional Directorate of Forestry teams began efforts to bring the fire under control.
A fire that broke out in a forested area in the Gebze district of Kocaeli grew rapidly in a short time. It was reported that the fire, which started near Mollafenari Neighborhood, was advancing towards the Ballıkayalar area, while teams dispatched to the region continue to intervene in the flames.
TEAMS ARE INTERVENING IN THE FLAMES
The fire broke out around 15:00 in a forested area near Mollafenari Neighborhood. The fire, which started for reasons not yet determined, quickly spread to the surrounding forested area.
Upon the report, firefighting teams and teams affiliated with the Regional Directorate of Forestry were dispatched to the region.
FIRE ADVANCING TOWARDS BALLIKAYALAR
While the teams' efforts to bring the fire under control continue, it was learned that the flames were advancing towards the Ballıkayalar area.
Teams' intervention in the region continues to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to a wider area.
RIGHT UNDER ISTANBUL'S NOSE
Ballıkayalar, which attracts intense interest especially on weekends due to its proximity to Istanbul and Kocaeli, is among the region's important natural areas with its Nature Park, canyon, stream bed, hiking trails, and camping areas. The fire around the nature park, frequently visited by nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, also raised concerns for the natural life in the region.