Wildfire prevention and preparedness measures for Muğla, Turkey, for 2025
Muğla is one of Turkey’s top high-risk regions for forest fires. A 2025 wildfire preparedness meeting was held to review 2024 incidents and determine new strategies and cooperation models.
Accordingly it was decided to strictly prohibit entry to high-risk forest areas from May 1 to November 30, 2025
Key Preventive Measures:
Pre-Fire Preparations:
Fire-prone zones will be mapped.
Early warning and monitoring systems will be activated.
Awareness and training programs will be conducted in forest villages.
Burning of stubble, grass, and brush in and around fields and olive groves is banned and will be strictly monitored.
Protective strips of at least 10 meters of mineral soil will be created along fields adjacent to forests.
Tilling under olive trees is encouraged where technically feasible.
Rules for Agricultural Machinery:
In rural areas, harvesting equipment (e.g., combine harvesters) must carry at least: A 2-ton water tank, Two 6 kg fire extinguishers
Regulations for Beekeepers and Shepherds:
Visitors from outside the province will be registered by village heads, gendarmerie, and relevant authorities.
They will receive fire safety training and must carry two 6 kg fire extinguishers.
Inspections and Patrols: Parking on forest roads in a way that blocks emergency vehicles like fire trucks will be prohibited. Both fixed and mobile patrols will operate along key routes during fire season.
Main Patrol Routes Include:
• Bodrum–Güvercinlik–Torba–Gölköy
• Bodrum–Kızılağaç–Çiftlik–Pinarlıbelen
• Milas–Selimiye–Kazıklıbucak–Gürçamlar–Kıyıkışlacık
• Yatağan–Kavaklıdere
• Ula–Akyaka–Akbük
• Several routes in Marmaris, Köyceğiz, and Fethiye
Regulations on Fire-Risk Entertainment: Fireworks, sky lanterns, and similar fire-hazardous entertainment items will be banned or restricted by local authorities in forest villages and tourist zones.
Statements from Officials:
Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık emphasized the vital importance of forests for life, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Muğla Regional Forest Director Mustafa Ülküdür shared updates on equipment, staffing, early response times, and public training efforts.
