Turkey Enhances Forest Fire Readiness with Expanded Aerial Fleet and New Bases

Turkey is bolstering its defenses against forest fires with an expanded aerial fleet and enhanced operational capabilities. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that 28 aircraft, 119 helicopters, and 14 unmanned aerial vehicles are actively engaged in protecting the nation's forests. This aerial force possesses a combined water-dropping capacity of 462 tons. Yumaklı highlighted that the number of aerial assets has increased to 161, up from 146 in the previous year, underscoring a commitment to strengthening firefighting resources. Speaking at the "Heroes of the Green Homeland on Duty" event in İzmir, Yumaklı framed the fight against forest fires as a responsibility to protect national territory and ensure a stronger Turkey for future generations. He acknowledged that rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, and strong winds, exacerbated by climate change, increase fire risks. Consequently, preparations are intensified annually with a more robust, planned, and technologically advanced approach. Yumaklı emphasized the critical role of aerial vehicles as force multipliers in controlling fires. He also noted the strategic placement of new operational bases, particularly in the West Black Sea region, designed to significantly shorten the time it takes for aircraft to reach fire zones. Furthermore, very light helicopters will be utilized for rapid initial response in the crucial first minutes of a fire. Ground forces have also seen capacity increases, with the number of fire engines rising to 1,930 from 1,766, initial response vehicles to 2,751 from 2,742, and construction equipment to 868 from 831.

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Today, we are providing aerial support for our green homeland against forest fires with 28 planes, 119 helicopters, and 14 unmanned aerial vehicles. With this force, we have a total water-dropping capacity of 462 tons. Compared to last year, we increased our aerial vehicle numbers from 146 to 161.