Balıkesir Forest Fire Continues into Second Day; Aerial Intervention Underway

Firefighting efforts are ongoing into the second day for a forest fire that ignited in Balıkesir, Turkey. The blaze began around 1:30 PM on August 19, 2026, near the Düvertepe neighborhood in the Sındırgı district. The fire originated from a truck on the Sındırgı-Simav highway and quickly spread to the adjacent forest.

Authorities have mobilized a significant response, deploying 295 personnel to the scene. They are being supported by 7 aircraft and 8 helicopters engaged in aerial firefighting operations. Additionally, 31 fire engines, 3 fire trucks, 16 water tankers, and various other support vehicles and equipment are on the ground.

Given the fire's proximity to residential areas, a safety corridor has been established as a precautionary measure. The Sındırgı Municipality has also issued public announcements urging citizens to avoid the Sındırgı-Simav road due to the ongoing operations. Firefighting continued from the ground after nightfall.

The Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department and Sındırgı Municipality teams are providing support to the regional forest directorate's efforts. The situation remains active as crews work to contain and extinguish the fire.