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The Istanbul Governorate has announced a comprehensive set of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of forest fires during the upcoming summer season.
Under the decision, entry into forest areas and all activities involving open flames will be restricted across the province between 8 June 2026 and 15 October 2026.
In a written statement, the Governorate noted that increased human activity in forested areas during the summer months significantly elevates the risk of wildfires.
The measures have been introduced in accordance with relevant provisions of the Forestry Law to mitigate potential hazards arising from negligence or intentional conduct.
Within the scope of the decision, entry into forest areas throughout Istanbul’s forested regions will be prohibited, along with the use of barbecues, portable gas cylinders, hookahs, and similar devices.
Any form of open burning in or near forested land is also banned. In addition, the restriction extends to agricultural burning activities, including the clearing of vineyards, orchards and fields through the burning of residues. Authorities further emphasized that the ban covers not only forest areas but also forest-edge zones and surrounding rural settlements.
The Governorate clarified that no restrictions will apply to designated picnic and recreation areas, including parks, nature parks, and ecotourism zones.
Activities such as picnicking, walking, sports and other recreational uses will remain permitted in these locations, provided that no open fire is used outside regulated areas.
The statement also outlined a series of supplementary obligations assigned to relevant public institutions and service providers. These include:
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