Turkey Forest Fires: 12,000 Hectares Lost, Opposition Cites Satellite Data Amid Official Silence

Forest fires in Turkey have devastated over 12,000 hectares of land across six provinces, according to an analysis by the YENİ Party. The party's İzmir provincial deputy chairman, Tevfik Türk, stated that his analysis of data from the EU's Sentinel satellites revealed the extent of the damage in fires that occurred in Muğla, Aydın, Çanakkale, Balıkesir, Mersin, and Antalya. Türk criticized the Ministry for failing to release official figures on the burned areas, saying, "As every year, there is no information from the Ministry about the size of the fire areas. Let us at least provide information." The analysis indicates that 12,090 hectares were affected by 10 separate fires. This area is equivalent to approximately 16,945 football fields. Although no casualties were reported, the fires destroyed numerous homes, agricultural lands, and livestock.

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As every year, there is no information from the Ministry about the size of the fire areas. Let us at least provide information.