Türkiye battles widespread wildfires, hundreds evacuated in Bursa

Türkiye is grappling with a series of devastating wildfires across multiple provinces as extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds accelerate the spread of flames. At least 76 fires were recorded nationwide on July 26, with major blazes still active in Bursa, Karabük, Uşak, and Kahramanmaraş.

One of the most severe fires broke out between the Kestel and Gürsu districts in the northwestern province of Bursa. Fanned by strong winds, the fire rapidly reached the Karahıdır neighbourhood, forcing authorities to close the Bursa-Ankara highway and redirect traffic. Local officials confirmed that flames were approaching residential areas, prompting urgent evacuations, Caliber.Az reports via Türkiye Today. 

Over 700 residents from nearby villages, including İğdir, were evacuated as a precaution. Bursa’s Governor Erol Ayyıldız, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and other local officials visited the fire zones to oversee the response efforts. Authorities confirmed that official vehicles belonging to Gürsu’s district governor and mayor were briefly trapped by the flames but managed to escape unharmed.

Dozens of firefighting teams, including water tankers, helicopters, aircraft, and TOMA riot control vehicles, have been deployed across affected regions. However, aerial firefighting operations have been suspended overnight due to darkness. The fires have illuminated the skies in several cities, while ashfall has been reported in urban areas, prompting local municipalities to advise residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

Wildfires grow in Türkiye’s Bursa villages, spread by strong winds, force evacuations, and shut down the highway as firefighting efforts continue pic.twitter.com/X8XbePvi35

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) July 26, 2025

In Karabük province, another major fire ignited near the village of Çavuşlar and spread through Ovacık district, reaching several neighborhoods and forcing the evacuation of 18 villages and 50 neighborhoods. Authorities coordinated the relocation of residents and livestock using trucks and trailers. A new fire outbreak just 2 km from a previously contained zone triggered additional evacuations in the Ketenlik and Erice villages.

More than 400 personnel and dozens of fire engines, helicopters, and bulldozers are battling the fires in Karabük. Damage assessments are ongoing, with at least three homes destroyed and 130 people evacuated. Six firefighters suffered smoke inhalation, with five hospitalized.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı confirmed that 28 of the 76 fires were in forested areas, with the rest in rural zones. While some blazes — including those near Ankara’s Eymir Lake and in parts of Antalya and Mersin provinces — have been largely contained, several remain uncontrolled.

Authorities have urged the public to refrain from lighting fires, discarding cigarette butts, or leaving flammable waste in nature. Citizens are encouraged to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to emergency services.

By Sabina Mammadli