By Ali Derin Çelikbilek,  Arda Sabri Tiryaki and Sarp Altunbüken

Every summer, Turkey's lush green forests surrender to the flames one by one. The sounds of sirens replace the humming of trees, and the chirping of birds gives way to the smell of ash. So why have these fires increased so much and what can we do? Since the 1940s, the number of wildfires in Turkey has increased from 1000 per year to around 3500. This is no longer a local issue— it has become a global emergency with several consequences that require our immediate action. The time to act is now.

Wildfires in Turkey have become a constant problem hitting us with greater intensity each year. In 2021, Turkey experienced one of the worst wildfires in its history. Over 200 wildfires occurred simultaneously, taking nine lives, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and burning more than 1,700 square kilometers of land, including forests, olive groves, and farmlands, while ruining countless animal habitats. The fires spread quickly due to strong winds and dry vegetation and the government's response fell short of what was needed. In response, Turkey declared a global emergency and requested help from neighboring countries.

The graph published by Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, shows the magnitude of the burned areas in hectare below, showing how tragic the fire was in 2021.

This is not just the case for Turkey, we’ve seen similar massive fires around the world in recent years. In Greece, wildfires burned over 400 square kilometers of land. In California, wildfires have become a big problem each year, with 2020 being one of the worst years on record. Just a few months ago, January of 2025, wildfires in Los Angeles County forced more than 200,000 to evacuate and destroyed thousands of kilometers of land. Australia faced its 'Black Summer' in 2019-2020, where fires destroyed 77,000 square kilometers of land, killed 33 people, and left thousands of people homeless. These fires are a reminder that the threat of wildfires is not just local but a growing global emergency.

In the ski hotel fire in Bolu, which caused our whole country to grieve, it was understood that common people do not know ways of fighting with fire because they tried to fight with fire caused by oil using water which caused a disaster. Considering that fires are a fact of our lives together with climate change, we interviewed two different experts as young reporters for the environment. One of the experts, Hüseyin İnci, a lawyer and forest engineer, and the other, Ercan Sütlü, a forest engineer working for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Turkey, enlightened us about the causes and consequences of forest fires and ecological restoration afterwards.

Behind the Burn: Why Fires Happen

These wildfires are not just a natural disaster. They are often caused by climate change and human mistakes. As the world gets hotter, it makes it easier for the wildfires to spread quickly. Some fires are intentionally set to clear land for farming or tourism, while others start with things like a discarded cigarette or an abandoned campfire.

WWF Turkey expert Ercan Sütlü shared: "90% of forest fires are human caused. Careless picnics, discarded cigarette butts, negligent agricultural activities, and even sparks from electrical wires are some of the main causes of these fires." Huseyin Ince, further emphasized, "Of the human-caused fires, 50% are due to negligence. A small glass bottle, for example, can reflect sunlight like a lens and start a fire. Natural causes include lightning strikes, extreme heat, drought, and the ongoing effects of global warming.”

Ercan Sütlü also pointed out that even though oxygen, a flammable substance and an ignition source is needed for fires to form, the most critical factor that plays a role in the formation of a fire is the air conditions in the region. Many different conditions such as the air temperature being above 30 degrees Celsius, humidity being under 10% and the wind blowing strong create a condition suitable for fires to occur. He stressed that even when just a single cigarette reaches high temperatures, it could result in a wildfire, causing the whole forest to burn. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of littering into appropriate trash cans instead of littering into the environment.

From Flames to Crisis: The Aftermath

We wondered the impact of fires on ecosystem, and we asked:

Question: How do fires affect nature?

Mr. Ercan Sütlü: The impact of fires can vary from ecosystem to ecosystem. Trees such as red pine in the Mediterranean climate zone are actually fire-resistant and they even need fires in their regeneration process. However, human-caused fires are more frequent and more severe than natural fires, which can negatively affect ecosystems. Fires can destroy animal habitats and reduce biodiversity.

The wildfires in Turkey have a big, long-lasting impact on the environment, economy, and society. The destruction of forests and wildlife threatens Turkey’s ecological balance and its heritage. Loss of vegetation, disruption of biodiversity, soil degradation, and altered water cycles are just a few consequences to count. As Huseyin İnce explains “A forest is not just made up of trees. It is home to animals, insects, fungi, and water sources. With a fire, the entire ecosystem can be destroyed. For example, during the Büyükada fire in Turkey, it wasn't just the forest that was lost; a species of insect -unique to the island was also completely wiped out”. And Ercan Sütlü, forest engineer, adds “The soil is even burning. Underground organisms and microorganisms are being harmed. It takes thousands of years for the forest to recover after a wildfire.”

Pictures: From our visit to The Longoz Forest in İğneada, showing a rich ecosystem

Further, these environmental and ecological losses have a direct impact on local communities in rural areas whose lives are deeply tied to these forests through forest work, olive farming, goat herding, the trade of forest plants and beekeeping. These people have no other place to go or no alternative ways of earning their bread as their entire life for generations have been rooted in the forests.

Ercan Sütlü studies rebuilding the ecosystem in Datça Bozburun, he tries to find out ways of developing ecological restoration in the area.

Question: You mentioned that you have launched a project on forest fires in Datca-Bozburun. Could you explain this project a little bit?

Mr. Sütlü: Yes, we built this project on two pillars. One is awareness raising and the other is ecological restoration. So far, we have mainly focused on informing people and raising awareness. From now on, we plan to focus more on ecological restoration work.

Question: How does the ecological restoration process work?

Mr. Sütlü: The ecological restoration process can proceed naturally if left alone, but in some cases human intervention may be required. After a fire, microorganisms and plant seeds in the soil resprout over time. In Mediterranean forests, for red pine seeds to germinate, the seed coat needs to crack and this is only possible with fire. However, natural regeneration may not always be enough. In this case, scientists and forest engineers try to maintain the balance of nature by planning for ecological restoration. Furthermore, when post-fire areas are immediately reforested, this can damage the natural regeneration process. Afforestation with the wrong methods can cause long-term damage to the soil and ecosystem. Therefore, the ecological restoration process must be carefully managed.

Taken by Ercan Sütlü from WWF, Datça Bozburun Wildfire

These photos show the devastating effect of the fire in Datça Bozburun in 2021.

Question: Are there budget-friendly or efficient innovations in ecological restoration, such as climate-resistant seeds?

Mr. Sütlü: Let me follow up on this point with a specific example. Regarding seed and ecosystem restoration, I can share the following information: The forest products that are not preferred when conducting forestry activities, the natural tree species there are completely species that nature has created over the years by adapting to the climatic conditions of the region. So this is not an arbitrary choice of ours. For example, we do not consciously choose red pine because we think it grows better in coastal areas. Similarly, we do not determine the maquis communities there. We try to manage the areas by mimicking nature, observing the existing ecosystem and at the same time emphasizing species that can have a positive economic impact.

Question: Is natural regeneration or human reforestation more effective?

Mr. Hüseyin İnci: After the fire has been extinguished and it is completely sure that it has been extinguished, the dead layer on the forest should be cleared, the natural process should be expected to start, and with this start, reforestation should be carried out by human hands.

Question: What are the methods used in fire extinguishing works (such as aerial and ground intervention)?

Mr. Hüseyin İnci: Efforts vary according to terrain, tree type and height. Aerial extinguishing is more effective in steep terrain, while water extinguishing is more effective in forests where trees such as beech and oak are dense. In the Mediterranean region, methods such as cleaning and isolation around the fire (Physical Intervention), creating fire lanes, cutting trees, and soil intervention are used.

From Spark to Solution: What Can We Do?

The number one solution is increasing awareness. Ercan Sütlü stresses that "The most crucial measure to prevent fires is educating the community." Raising awareness about the devastating impacts of wildfires on ecosystems is essential to prevent future destruction. Sütlü adds “It is absolutely crucial to educate forest villagers and instill a love for nature in children”. In Turkey, many local communities have launched campaigns to educate the public on the importance of protecting nature.

The government is also taking several actions, not only investing in firefighting equipment but also focusing on awareness efforts: educating communities, improving forest management, raising awareness about fire risks, investing in sustainability and training teams for quicker response time when fires occur. Practical solutions also include refraining from littering in forests, designing fire lanes to ensure faster access for emergency responders and limiting human activities in high-risk areas to reduce the likelihood of accidental fires. One area where the government can be bolder is to increase fines for littering in forests and other harmful activities that can spark fires. Strict penalties for such behavior can prevent careless actions and future disasters. Ercan Sütlü reminds us “It is now possible to become a Forest Fire Volunteer in Turkey through a government-run program. With proper training, you can actively assist during wildfires”.

However, awareness alone is not enough. One of the root causes of these increasing wildfires is climate change. As Mr. Sütlü points out, "The increase in temperature, the decrease in humidity, and the intensification of winds all increase the risk of fires. That’s why it’s impossible to prevent fires without considering the climate crisis." On a global level, reducing our carbon footprint by using less energy, recycling, and reducing waste is a powerful way to fight climate change.

After a wildfire, many people with good intentions rush to plant trees to help nature. However, this can be harmful. It is important to first let nature recover on its own. Ince explains, “First, the burning beneath the soil must stop…”. Ercan Sütlü further emphasizes “Nature has the power to heal itself. It's important to first let nature recover on its own, allowing the land to heal and restore the natural balance before planting new trees. Rushing to plant trees can harm the soil even more” and adds “The most crucial aspect is exercising patience with nature. The trees, soil, and wildlife will naturally restore their balance. Our role is to provide support, not interference”.

Are the technologies used to fight forest fires in Turkey adequate?

Mr. Ercan Sütlü: Very good question, thank you. First of all, it should be noted that our fire fighting technologies are at a sufficient level. However, the most critical point in fighting fires is the rapid response at the first moment of the fire. According to the data of the General Directorate of Forestry, the average response time to a fire is 11 minutes. In other words, the earlier the fire is detected and intervened, the faster it can be brought under control. However, the actual extinguishing is done by ground teams. The cooling process carried out by the ground teams is very important because the fire may reignite due to the wind. Aerial interventions are supportive. From time to time, there is a misperception in society that fires can only be extinguished from the air. However, aerial intervention does not extinguish the fire, it only helps to bring it under control. The real work is done by ground teams working in the field. One of the methods used especially in the fight against forest fires is the counter-fire method. When this method is applied correctly, it can stop the fire by depleting oxygen. However, the public sometimes has the misconception that foresters start fires. However, this is a professional technique applied to control the fire. In addition, raising public awareness is very important.

Question: Do you find the current forest fire prevention policies in Turkey adequate? In which areas can improvements be made?

Mr. Hüseyin İnci: Fire-sensitive areas are identified by the Ministry of Forestry and studies are carried out in this direction. The number of technical equipment and personnel is being increased with each passing day. These should be further increased and volunteer trainings should be conducted more frequently.

Question: What role can AI and other technological solutions play in preventing forest fires?

Mr. Hüseyin İnci: In recent years, drones have been used by forest regional directorates to prevent forest fires. With the use of drones, a lot of information can be obtained such as the place and cause of the start of fires and the areas where they can progress. Further activation of drones will undoubtedly stop the progression of forest fires after they have started, if not prevent them.

Conclusion

The wildfires in Turkey are not just a local disaster. They highlight the urgent environmental crisis affecting us all around the world. These fires have destroyed not only forests and wildlife but also the lives of countless local communities whose lives depend on these ecosystems. While the wildfires are a significant challenge globally, the solutions are also possible if we work together. By understanding the causes, raising awareness, improving prevention, and addressing climate change, we can protect the environment. The time to act is NOW before these fires threaten the future of our planet.

SOURCES

● BBC. (2021, October 13). What is climate change? A really simple guide. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772

● Ntasiou, Z. (2025, January 22). Lessons learned from the 2024 fire season in Greece.  EWED: Extreme Wildfire Events Data Hub. https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/news/lessons-learned-2024-fire-season-greece

● Hess, L. (2020, October 21). World on fire 2020: Experts explain the global wildfire crisis. #ThinkLandscape: Global Landscape Forum. https://thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org/47794/fires-2020-experts-explain-the-global-wildfire-crisis

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● Wildfires and Climate Change. Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. (2023, July 14). https://www.c2es.org/content/wildfires-and-climate-change/