Türkiye imposes forest access bans in 47 provinces due to high wildfire risk

In response to increasing wildfire threats across the country, Türkiye has restricted access to forests in 47 provinces from May 1 to November 30, depending on local risk levels and weather forecasts.

The bans were issued by provincial Forest Fire Fighting Commissions under the coordination of governors, based on warnings from the meteorological service regarding high temperatures and strong winds.

Authorities aim to prevent wildfires caused by negligence, such as discarded cigarette butts, campfires, and barbecues.

An aerial view shows scorched forest land as firefighting efforts continue with 700 personnel, 200 vehicles, 10 fire trucks from Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, and 11 helicopters battling the wildfire that began in Tarakli, Sakarya and spread toward the Bilecik border due to strong winds — Tarakli, Sakarya, Turkiye, June 28, 2025. (IHA Photo)

Forest entry bans by region and dates

Black Sea Region

• Sinop: June 1 – October 31
• Bayburt: June 1 – November 30
• Karabuk: June 2 – October 31
• Corum: June 15 – October 31
• Samsun: June 19 – October 30
• Amasya & Tokat: July 1 – October 30
• Zonguldak & Bartin: July 1 – September 30
• Bolu: July 1 – September 30
• Kastamonu: July 1 – October 30

Marmara Region

• Kirklareli: May 8 – October 31
• Kocaeli: May 15 – November 1
• Balikesir: June 15 – September 30
• Sakarya: June 1 – November 1
• Canakkale: June 1 – September 30
• Yalova: June 1 – October 31
• Bilecik: June 5 – October 1
• Tekirdag: June 15 – October 15
• Istanbul: June 23 – October 15
• Edirne: June 27 – October 15

Fire that started on Thurday in landfill area in Aliaga district of Izmir spreads to forested area due to wind and is brought under control, Türkiye, June 27, 2025. (AA Photo)

Aegean Region

• Kutahya: May 15 – October 31
• Denizli: June 1 – October 31
• Usak: June 1 – October 1
• Izmir, Manisa, Aydin: June 1 – October 31
• Afyonkarahisar: June 15 – October 15
• Mugla: June 25 – October 31

Mediterranean Region

• Antalya: May 1 – October 31
• Hatay: May 15 – September 15
• Burdur: June 1 – November 1
• Isparta: June 1 – November 15
• Osmaniye & Kahramanmaras: June 1 – October 31
• Mersin: June 1 – October 15
• Adana: June 23 – October 31

Southeastern Anatolia

• Kilis: June 1 – November 30
• Sanliurfa: June 1 – October 31
• Gaziantep: June 24 – September 30

Eastern Anatolia

• Bingol: June 15 – October 1
• Erzincan: July 15 – September 15

Central Anatolia

• Cankiri, Kirikkale, Yozgat: June 1 – October 31
• Ankara: June 10 – September 30
• Eskisehir: June 15 – September 30

All bans include strict restrictions on open flames, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks. Public access to forests, national parks, and picnic areas will be monitored by local authorities.

Government agencies have urged citizens to report any signs of wildfire immediately and to avoid all fire-related activities in restricted zones.

June 28, 2025 04:41 PM GMT+03:00