As smoke fills the air and flames lick at the horizon, Turkey, are facing their worst nightmare. Wildfires are threatening their homes, their livelihoods, and their history, forcing evacuations and sparking a desperate fight to save their beloved city.
Turkey Burns
Early on Sunday, Turkey’s fourth-largest city was in danger due to wildfires that have been burning there for weeks, forcing more than 1,700 people to evacuate their homes.
As of July 27, 2025, there have been reports of dozens of wildfires actively burning across Turkey. with flames scorching 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) around Bursa, and devastating effects reported in other areas such as İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport vicinity where around 5,000 ha (12,000 acres) were destroyed by July 4, 2025.
Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said fire crews across the country battled 84 separate blazes on Saturday. As wildfires rage on, Turkey’s government has declared disaster zones in the provinces of Izmir and Bilecik, where the fires have been particularly destructive. These regions, located on the western side of the country, are now officially designated as disaster areas due to the ongoing fire crisis.
Thirteen people have tragically lost their lives, including 10 volunteers and forestry workers in the central Eskisehir province.
Turkey Fires: Homes and Hopes Up in Smoke
Wildfires in Turkey have significantly impacted local communities by causing displacement, property damage, and disruptions to the tourism sector. Wildfires have forced the evacuation and displacement of residents from affected areas, though precise numbers are not available. 1,765 people have been moved to safe place from villages to northeast from Bursa alone.
Homes, businesses, and infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged by the fires, impacting livelihoods and daily life. Agricultural lands have been burned, leading to potential food shortages and economic hardship for farmers. The fires have led to a decrease in tourism as visitors avoid affected regions, impacting businesses reliant on tourism revenue. Popular tourist destinations and natural attractions have been damaged or destroyed, further deterring visitors. Authorities closed tourist attractions such as the Acropolis between midday and 5pm.
What Caused Turkey’s Fire?
Wildfires in Turkey are primarily caused by a combination of natural and human factors, with climate change playing an increasingly significant role.
The General Directorate of Meteorology said Turkiye recorded its highest ever temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius (122.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in the southeastern Sirnak province on Friday. The highest temperatures for July were seen in 132 other locations, it said. Temperatures intensified at the weekend, peaking at 43C (109F) in Volos, Greece, on Tuesday. Climate change is exacerbating these conditions, making Turkey more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Turkey on fire fight
In addition to domestic efforts, Turkey is receiving international help in the form of firefighting resources and personnel. Countries like Spain, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel have sent support, offering both financial assistance and fire-fighting equipment.
Turkey’s Wildfires: A Disaster for Nature
- Damage to forests, wildlife, and ecosystems
Wildfires destroy trees, impacting timber resources and disrupting forest ecosystems. Animals are displaced from their habitats, and some may perish in the fires or face increased predation risk while seeking refuge. Fires can alter vegetation composition, favoring fire-adapted species and potentially leading to a decline in biodiversity. Wildfires can contribute to the extinction of vulnerable and endangered species.
- Impact on Air Quality and Public Health:
Wildfires release smoke and harmful gases (like carbon monoxide and particulate matter) into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and posing respiratory risks to nearby populations. Increased air pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues. Ash from fires can contaminate water sources, affecting drinking water and aquatic life. Soot from wildfires can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- Long-term Effects on Soil Erosion and Water Resources:
Loss of vegetation cover increases soil erosion rates, leading to land degradation and impacting water quality. Ash and debris from fires can contaminate water sources, affecting drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. Erosion can reduce water infiltration and storage capacity, potentially impacting water availability for agriculture and human consumption. Fires can volatilize nutrients in the soil, impacting soil fertility and long-term forest regeneration.
The fires may be contained, but the crisis is far from over. Turkey needs immediate assistance to rebuild its communities, restore its forests, and address the underlying causes of these devastating blazes. From supporting local relief efforts to advocating for climate action on a global scale, we all have a role to play in helping Turkey recover and prevent future tragedies.
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