Wildfire in Türkiye spreads from Sakarya to Bilecik: Hundreds evacuated

A wildfire that started in the Tarakli district of Sakarya has rapidly expanded into Bilecik's Golpazari district, impacting at least nine villages and prompting large-scale evacuations.

Local officials declared a state of emergency and set up a crisis center in the region. According to Bilecik Governor Faik Oktay Sozer, the fire has forced 367 people to leave their homes and over 1,470 animals to be relocated.

“Strong winds are disrupting containment operations,” Governor Sozer told CNN Turk. “We’ve evacuated all affected residents to safe zones. Rain expected tomorrow could ease the situation.”

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)

Evacuation breakdown:

• Koprucek (Hacidurmuslar): 73 residents, seven small livestock, 76 cattle
• Tasciahiler (Seyfiler): 27 residents, 10 small livestock, 107 cattle
• Alic (Akcaozu and Elmumin): 46 residents, 307 small livestock, 52 cattle
• Kavak (Ormancilar): One resident, 25 cattle
• Akcakavak: 70 residents, 150 small livestock, 28 cattle
• Kavak (Muratlar): 30 residents, 65 small livestock, 79 cattle
• Kavak (Bagislar, Yagcilar, Sehcler): 105 residents, 165 small livestock, 302 cattle
• Tongurlar (Urgancilar): 10 residents, 14 small livestock, 39 cattle
• Kumbet (Dumanlar): Five residents, 43 small livestock, one cattle

Emergency teams are battling the forest fire both on the ground and with aerial support. So far, no casualties have been reported, but authorities warn that dry conditions and strong wind gusts may prolong the wildfire risk.

June 28, 2025 02:46 PM GMT+03:00