03.08.2026 15:24
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı provided information about the fires that broke out in different regions of Turkey. Yumaklı announced that 110 of the 115 fires have been brought under control. While the fire in the Edremit district of Balıkesir was extinguished, the highway connecting Ayvalık and İzmir was closed to traffic due to the forest fire that started in the Gömeç district and progressed towards the Ayvalık district under the influence of wind.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı made statements at the Fire Coordination Center in Ankara regarding the ongoing fires.
Highlights from Minister Yumaklı's statements:
110 OF 115 FIRES BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL
We made our latest announcement last night via social media. Since yesterday, we have responded to 115 fires in our country, 69 of which were outside forests. Thank God, we have completely brought 110 of these fires under control.
In our last statement yesterday, we said that the fires in Balıkesir Edremit, Çanakkale Ayvacık, and Antalya Kumluca were largely under control; these 3 fires have now been completely brought under control.
Also, the fires in Balıkesir Gömeç, Antalya Kaş, and Muğla Seydikemer, which we announced were largely under control, are now being completely brought under control. Our teams have started and are continuing their interventions throughout the night from the land and, with daylight, from the air with aerial vehicles. Bringing a fire completely under control also means, in one sense, that cooling operations are carried out simultaneously. Therefore, when our colleagues finish their work, we will have made significant progress in cooling in these areas. God willing, we will give very good news about these 3 fires in the coming hours.
FETHİYE FIRE
Unfortunately, since our last statement, a new fire broke out around 02:00 tonight in Fethiye Üzümlü, Muğla. Because this area is covered with very dense forests, it was truly a dangerous spot. But our colleagues immediately intervened there as well. By morning, they had largely brought its intensity down. Cooling operations are currently ongoing on one front. God willing, we will give good news about this one along with the others.
FIRE IN ALANYA
Of course, last night, the Antalya Alanya fire, where our teams had concentrated a great deal of effort, started. The notable feature here, dear friends, was that unfortunately wind speeds had reached 50 kilometers per hour. However, around 23:00, wind speeds were measured at 84 kilometers per hour. This means: our colleagues there could potentially be at risk from time to time, and the unstable wind unfortunately prevented our colleagues responding from establishing a proper front line.
Of course, our experienced colleagues, with many different variations throughout the night, largely prevented the fire from spreading too much. However, the danger is not yet over. Therefore, our interventions on this matter will continue throughout the day.
At this hour, we see the wind has eased somewhat. It will ease a bit more towards noon. This will give us an opportunity for our intervention. However, from the afternoon onwards, unfortunately, we will face high-speed, strong winds again.
"OUR STRUGGLE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE LAST FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED"
Of course, our struggle will continue until the last fire is extinguished. Currently, we have 21 aircraft, 69 helicopters, nearly 500 water tenders, and over 3,500 forest heroes on the ground responding instantly.
In addition, the mobilization of all institutions by our governorships through AFAD is extremely valuable for us, both in terms of logistical support and other matters. We thank them here as well.
"I INVITE OUR CITIZENS TO BE CAUTIOUS"
As we always state: there are three main elements important for fire: low humidity, high temperature, and strong winds. Since the beginning of the week, even from last week, both we, the General Directorate of Meteorology, and other relevant institutions have informed our citizens and the public. Unfortunately, today, yesterday and today we were doing very well. While the combination of all these elements requires us to be more careful, we experienced these conditions yesterday. We are talking about 110 fires brought under control. This is truly an extremely high number.
I invite our valued citizens once again to be sensitive and cautious on this matter from here. Especially the risk map you see behind me shows that a risk situation awaits us this week, perhaps even extending into next week. It shows us that a very serious wind factor will be effective, particularly in our coastal strips starting from Çanakkale down to Mersin. Once again, we particularly request all our citizens not to light fires outdoors or engage in any activity that could cause a fire.
"THIS IS NOT JUST A FOREST FIRE"
We always say this: this is not just a forest fire. Over 70% of these fires start outside forests and spread into them. We also have an ecosystem we share with the world. We must not forget this. It is not just about trees. Therefore, our sensitivity, in addition to ensuring our own life and property safety, also signifies a care that will save the lives of all living beings within this ecosystem.
During this process, I sincerely thank our Ministry of National Defense, our Ministry of Interior, our colleagues in local governments, and our citizens who provided logistical support in their locations, guided by public officials.
Let me also emphasize one important point: Firefighting requires experience and knowledge. Therefore, I particularly request that no one enter the fire area for any reason other than the directives of public officials. Once again, get well soon; we will continue our announcements. I present my respects.
FIRE IN BALIKESİR GÖMEÇ! AYVALIK-BERGAMA HIGHWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
Due to the forest fire that started in the Gömeç district of Balıkesir and progressed towards the Ayvalık district under the influence of the wind, the highway connecting Ayvalık to İzmir's Bergama district was closed to traffic for security reasons and as part of extinguishing efforts.Firefighting teams arriving from Istanbul are responding to the fire in coordination with Balıkesir forest teams and with the support of villagers. With the first light of day, aerial intervention has also been accelerated.
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