Turkey Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents: A 20-Year Trend Analysis

Turkey Faces Rising Wildfire Incidents: A 20-Year Trend Analysis

Turkey has been experiencing a significant increase in wildfire incidents, with the latest alert reported in Şanlıurfa on June 27, 2026. Over the past two decades, Turkey's tree cover loss has been driven predominantly by forestry activities and wildfires. In 2025 alone, wildfires accounted for nearly 49% of the total tree cover loss, highlighting a concerning trend. The net change in tree cover over the years shows a modest gain of 0.65%, but the persistent threat of wildfires poses a challenge to maintaining this progress. As Turkey continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the focus remains on understanding the underlying causes and mitigating future risks.