Türkiye’s wildfire risk remains high across the Mediterranean region and is now spreading into northern areas, according to forestry expert Prof. Dr. Yusuf Serengil of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.
“Strong winds, temperature and humidity conditions, and the amount of combustible material in forests directly affect fires,” Serengil said, noting that the Mediterranean basin continues to face elevated danger.
He highlighted that forest types in the western Black Sea region—similar in structure to those in the Aegean and Mediterranean—are increasingly vulnerable. Species such as red pine and black pine heighten fire risk, while deciduous forests pose less danger.
Serengil emphasized that the northward shift in fire outbreaks this year is no coincidence. “Drought and rising temperatures have expanded fire-sensitive zones. Villages and towns in the north, with little firefighting experience, are now at risk,” he said.
Türkiye is currently experiencing 40 to 50 fire outbreaks daily. Most are contained quickly, but some spread rapidly, consuming several hectares and escalating into large-scale wildfires