Türkiye enhances forest fire fighting capabilities: Official

By Yesim Yuksel

Türkiye has strengthened its fleet to combat forest fires, making it one of the few countries with advanced firefighting capabilities, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Abdulkadir Polat.

Polat highlighted an extraordinary increase in forest fires due to climate change at the photo exhibition Our Green Line: Environment hosted by Anadolu.

He praised Türkiye's advancements in firefighting equipment, both aerial and ground, which have minimized forest loss.

Polat emphasized Türkiye's significant strides in aerial power, noting that it is one of only two countries using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology for forest fire detection.

"Our UAVs can scan areas quickly, detect fires early, and report to the fire management center, enabling immediate response," he told Anadolu.

Despite recording an average of 50-60 fires daily in the summer, only a few become significant, showcasing Türkiye's progress, said Polat as he praised the "invisible fire heroes" for preventing and extinguishing fires before they spread.

- ‘Forests are our common asset’

Polat said reforestation efforts are prioritized after fires with laws ensuring no activity other than afforestation in burned areas. He noted that some trees naturally reseed in burned areas, and if not, human intervention ensures regrowth.

With a two-fold increase in fires compared to last year due to the climate change, Polat emphasized the importance of the international fire training center in the southern city of Antalya. He noted the center trains local and international fire officials, enhancing their skills.

Polat said all personnel who intervene in the fire increase their knowledge and skills by conducting drills accompanied by a simulation.

Noting Türkiye is at a more advanced point in the fight against forest fires compared to other countries, Polat urged citizens to avoid activities that could spark fires.

He stressed that climate change affects all countries.

"Forests are our common asset," he said. "Natural phenomena caused by climate change affects all countries, it has no nationality."

Emphasizing the global significance of forest preservation, Polat commended the media cooperation between Türkiye, Spain, Italy and Greece for raising awareness about forest conservation.

The photo exhibition spotlighting climate change and environmental concerns is taking place in the Turkish capital.

The initiative, spearheaded by Anadolu in collaboration with Spain's EFE, Italy's ANSA and Greece's AMNA news agencies, marks a significant milestone in environmental awareness.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor