Turkey is currently grappling with a series of severe wildfires that have intensified due to unprecedented heatwaves. These fires have led to significant evacuations and environmental damage across various regions.
In late June 2025, wildfires erupted in multiple provinces, notably in İzmir, where over 50,000 residents were evacuated from 41 settlements. The fires also caused temporary disruptions at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. By early July, the fires in İzmir were brought under control, having destroyed approximately 1,600 hectares of land and damaged around 200 houses. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives in the Ödemiş area due to the fires.
In July 2025, wildfires reached the vicinity of Bursa, Turkey's fourth-largest city, leading to the evacuation of over 1,700 residents. The fires, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, have posed significant challenges to firefighting efforts.
The Turkish government has declared disaster zones in the affected provinces, mobilizing resources to support the firefighting operations and assist displaced communities. International aid has also been extended, with neighboring countries offering firefighting support and resources.
These events underscore the escalating challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the need for enhanced preparedness and coordinated response strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.