Holidaymakers heading to Turkey this summer have been warned to be vigilant, as wildfires remain a serious and frequent risk during the hotter months.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice, noting that high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds have already sparked several major fires this season. Travellers are urged to follow local guidance and take extra care, particularly in forested and high-risk areas.
An early summer heatwave has triggered multiple blazes across the country, with Turkey’s west coast among the hardest hit. At least five wildfires broke out in Izmir alone in late June, forcing evacuations and resulting in two deaths so far this year. Over the weekend, firefighters were battling six of nine active wildfires in Izmir province, with officials citing strong winds and faulty power lines as contributing factors.
On Friday, a wildfire also ignited near Dortyol, in southern Hatay province along the Turkish-Syrian border — an area the FCDO already advises against visiting due to conflict and terrorism risks. Travelling within 10km of the border could also invalidate travel insurance, leaving visitors exposed to potentially high medical or evacuation costs.
The FCDO warns that anyone found responsible for starting a fire — even by carelessly discarding a lit cigarette — could face fines or even prison. Tourists are advised to heed evacuation orders if instructed and to report fires immediately by calling 112.
Turkey’s Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli reported progress on the fires in Cesme, Odemis, and Buca over the weekend, crediting overnight ground crews and early morning aerial efforts with bringing them under control.
