Multiple wildfires ignite in western Türkiye, hundreds evacuated from İzmir
At least eight major wildfires ignited across western Türkiye between June 24 and 26, 2025, forcing evacuations, destroying homes, and threatening infrastructure across İzmir, Muğla, Antalya, Çanakkale, Bilecik, Hatay, and Sakarya.
Wildfires in Turkey on June 27, 2025. Credit: Bekir Karacabey
Multiple wildfires ignited in western Türkiye between June 24 and 26, including large-scale incidents in İzmir, Muğla, Antalya, Çanakkale, Bilecik, Hatay, and Sakarya. The fires disrupted travel, prompted evacuations, and triggered a broad emergency response.
The General Directorate of Forestry confirmed that at least eight major fires occurred nationwide between June 24 and 25. Many were linked to agricultural activity, improper waste disposal, or other human-related causes.
The most critical fire began at 12:30 local time (LT) on June 25 in a forested area of İzmir’s Aliağa district. Strong winds and low humidity caused the flames to spread rapidly toward Foça’s Ilıpınar neighborhood, threatening residential areas.
İzmir / Aliağa
— Orman Genel Müdürlüğü (@OGMgovtr) June 25, 2025
Aliağa Bozköy mevkiinde meydana gelen orman yangınına havadan ve karadan müdahale ediyoruz.
Yangını en kısa sürede kontrol altına almak için mücadelemiz devam ediyor. #YeşilVatan#OrmanıKoru#YangınıÖnle pic.twitter.com/Q64CEurBLw
Authorities deployed more than 625 personnel, supported by 8 aircraft, 16 helicopters, and dozens of fire trucks and bulldozers. A total of 175 homes were evacuated, and 550 people were relocated. Cooling operations continued into June 26 to prevent re-ignition. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by a damaged power line.
On June 26, a fire started in a landfill area in the Bozköy neighborhood of İzmir’s Aliağa district. Strong winds spread the flames into nearby forested land, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation involving 6 aircraft, 5 helicopters, 25 fire engines, 9 water tenders, and 5 bulldozers.
The fire was brought under control after approximately 11 hours. One residential building was destroyed, and authorities detained a suspect for allegedly starting the fire through unauthorized waste burning.
#Aydın / #Didim
— Orman Genel Müdürlüğü (@OGMgovtr) June 23, 2025
Didim'de orman dışı alanda başlayan yangına müdahale ediyoruz.
Ekiplerimiz yangını kontrol altına almak için havadan ve karadan mücadele ediyor.#YeşilVatan#OrmanınKahramanları#OrmanıKoru#YangınıÖnle pic.twitter.com/1u8lz14DQD
Additional fires were reported across İzmir, including in Torbalı, Narlıdere, and Dikili. These incidents were contained through coordinated air and land operations. No injuries or property damage were reported.
In Muğla, two fires broke out on June 24, one in Marmaris and one in Köyceğiz, burning 3.2 ha (7.9 acres) of land. The Marmaris fire was reportedly caused by a misfired marine flare. Three individuals were detained on suspicion of negligence.
Gece boyunca verdiğimiz yoğun mücadelenin ardından #İzmir #Aliağa yangınını kontrol altına aldık.
— Orman Genel Müdürlüğü (@OGMgovtr) June 26, 2025
Bölgede soğutma çalışmalarımız devam ediyor.#YeşilVatan için cansiperane mücadele eden #OrmanınKahramanları'na, bizlere destek veren kurumlarımıza, STK'larımıza ve… pic.twitter.com/Adw8x7hFhT
Fires were also reported in Finike’s Turunçova area and Kumluca’s Sarıcasu neighborhood in Antalya province. The Kumluca fire was extinguished in under two hours. The Finike fire remained under control as of the latest reports.
A fire in Çanakkale’s Ezine district on June 24 destroyed 205 ha (506.6 acres) of land, including 125 ha (309 acres) of farmland and 80 ha (197.7 acres) of forest. A solar facility sustained partial damage and highway traffic was briefly suspended due to low visibility.
Aydın / Efeler
— Orman Genel Müdürlüğü (@OGMgovtr) June 21, 2025
Gündüz saatlerinde orman dışı alanda başlayan yangın için mücadelemiz devam ediyor.
Karadan ve havadan gece gündüz demeden yangını kontrol altına almak için çalışıyoruz.#YeşilVatan#OrmanınKahramanları#OrmanıKoru#YangınıÖnle pic.twitter.com/b73dOW7GOM
A wildfire in Bilecik’s Osmaneli district crossed the D650 highway and reached a NATO facility and a nearby factory. Despite rapid spread, the fire was contained with support from helicopters and more than 50 firefighting vehicles.
Smaller fires were reported in Hatay’s Samandağ district and Sakarya’s Akyazı district. Both fires were controlled quickly, with no reported injuries. Western and southern provinces of Türkiye remain on high alert as dry weather, strong winds, and temperatures above seasonal norms continue. Authorities have warned that fire risk will stay high into early July.
References:
1 İzmir Wildfire Contained After 21 Hours, Hundreds Evacuated Amid Scorching Heat – P.A. News – June 26, 2025
2 Travel safety guide for tourists as wildfires break out in Türkiye – Türkiye Today – June 26, 2025
Reet is a science journalist and researcher with a keen focus on extreme weather, space phenomena, and climate-related issues. With a strong foundation in astronomy and a history of environmental activism, she approaches every story with a sharp scientific lens and a deep sense of purpose. Driven by a lifelong love for writing, and a curiosity about the universe, Reet brings urgency and insight to some of the most important scientific developments of our time.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.