Turkish authorities have brought all but one of 55 wildfires under control across the country over the past 24 hours, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı said on Tuesday.
“The only remaining fire is in Harmancık, Bursa,” Yumaklı told a news conference at the General Directorate of Forestry’s Fire Management Center. He said firefighting operations were ongoing with five aircraft, 30 helicopters and 855 ground vehicles.
Yumaklı confirmed that fires previously reported in Karabük’s Safranbolu, Antalya’s Gazipaşa, Bursa’s Kestel and Uşak’s Banaz districts had all been fully extinguished.
The blaze near Safranbolu, located about 7 km from the town in Karabük’s central Kahyalar neighbourhood, had shown significant risk of spreading but was now under control, he said.
Challenging weather conditions, including dense morning fog, smoke and strong afternoon winds, had hampered aerial firefighting efforts in recent days, Yumaklı noted.
“This morning also began with heavy fog and smoke, but once conditions improved, we intensified air operations. Our ground teams have been working tirelessly day and night,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism about the response in Bursa, where efforts were “progressing positively” and said further updates would follow.
Yumaklı warned that the fire risk would persist until October, urging citizens to avoid lighting fires in open areas and to report any signs of fire immediately by calling 112.
He praised citizens for their cooperation and highlighted what he described as an unprecedented level of solidarity between the state and the public in the fight against wildfires.
Local farmer drives with flat tire to deliver water to fire zone
As the fire between Bursa’s Harmancık and Orhaneli districts continued, a local farmer captured national attention by delivering water to the fire zone despite mechanical issues.
Ramazan Doğru, 64, from Keles district’s Başak village, volunteered to help firefighting efforts. After filling his water tanker, a flat tire left him driving on the rim for several kilometres to reach the fire line.
“I couldn’t turn back 40 km with a full tank and leave the fire zone just 2 km away,” Doğru told reporters. Police officers initially stopped him but later allowed him to proceed.
“It’s our homeland, our forest. The trees and animals are our responsibility,” he said. “You can replace a tire, but not a tree or an ant.”
Doğru, who is awaiting a replacement tire from the municipality, said he plans to continue volunteering.
Suspects detained over fireworks-linked blaze in Bursa
Separately, four suspects were detained in Bursa’s Osmangazi district over a fire allegedly caused by fireworks. The incident occurred late Monday in Muradiye, where local authorities extinguished a small blaze that began in a wooded area.
Bursa’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation, and police arrested S.D., A.K., M.B. and M.A. The suspects are currently in custody pending further proceedings.
A separate suspect was also detained over the Harmancık blaze. Authorities have not released further details.