Turkey Issues Vital Fire Warning Amid Rising Temperatures: 'Over 90% Human-Caused'

As temperatures rise in Turkey, authorities are issuing urgent warnings about the increasing threat of vegetation fires. In Çorum, fire departments are on constant standby to combat these blazes, which spread rapidly through dry grasses and stubble, causing significant material damage. Rahmi Balcı, Çorum Municipality Fire Department Chief, reported that out of 291 fires responded to in 2026, 144 were vegetation or trash fires.

Balcı emphasized that the vast majority of these fires, over 90%, are human-caused. He appealed to citizens to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the summer. A key concern is fires starting in agricultural fields after crops are harvested. "We implore our citizens living in villages to plow their fields after harvesting crops," Balcı stated, explaining that stubble fires can easily escalate into forest fires or spread to nearby homes and gardens.

Local muhtars (village headmen) are also being asked to frequently remind residents and landowners about the importance of plowing fields post-harvest. Balcı noted that an increase in rainfall this year has led to more vegetation, which, combined with high temperatures, is expected to fuel more fires than in previous years. He also highlighted that fires often result from a lack of preventative measures and personal errors, including issues with electrical devices.

Balcı also stressed the importance of fire safety in homes and workplaces, urging people to maintain fire extinguishers and ensure alarm and detection systems are active. The Çorum Fire Department currently operates with 83 personnel and 18 vehicles, including fire engines, rescue vehicles, and ladder trucks. Despite these resources, the primary focus remains on prevention, as officials reiterate that human carelessness is the leading cause of these dangerous fires.