Bursa, Türkiye – July 27, 2025
A massive wildfire erupted in Türkiye’s northwestern province of Bursa on July 26, 2025, prompting widespread evacuations, road closures, and intense firefighting efforts as flames advanced toward residential areas in the country’s fourth-largest city. Fueled by record-breaking heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, the blaze has scorched approximately 3,000 hectares and continues to challenge emergency response teams.
Fire Outbreak and Rapid Spread
The fire ignited around 5:30 PM local time in a forested area between the Gürsu and Kestel districts, rapidly spreading due to strong winds and extreme temperatures. Türkiye recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5°C (122.9°F) in Şırnak province on July 25, with Bursa also experiencing unseasonably high heat. The flames reached the Karahıdır neighborhood, threatening residential zones and prompting panic among residents. Local media reported explosions in stone quarries in Karahıdır, exacerbating the crisis. Ash fallout across Bursa led the governor’s office to issue warnings, urging residents to keep windows and doors closed and avoid storing flammable materials on balconies.
Evacuations and Highway Closures
Authorities evacuated 1,765 people from 480 homes, including residents of Karahıdır and İğdir villages, with approximately 700 and 600 residents relocated, respectively. The Bursa-Ankara highway, a critical transportation artery, was closed between the Yıldırım and Turanköy junctions, with traffic rerouted through the Erdoğanköy–Kestel section of the D-200 State Road. The Karabük-Eskipazar-Ankara highway was also temporarily closed but has since reopened. Local resident Mehmet Uğur Yılmaz described the scene as “hell,” recounting how a small fire on a hill rapidly intensified, forcing residents to flee.
Firefighting Efforts
Over 1,100 firefighters, supported by 500 personnel, 150 vehicles, and 13 aircraft, including helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, are battling the blaze around the clock. Firefighting teams from the Regional Forestry Directorate, municipal fire departments, and even local residents have joined the effort. The Bursa Metropolitan Municipality deployed fire trucks, water tankers, and TOMA riot control vehicles to contain the fire. Despite a slight reduction in wind speeds on Sunday morning, the landscape of farms and pine forests has been reduced to ash in many areas.
Official Response and Investigation
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Bursa Governor Erol Ayyıldız, and AK Party provincial chairman Davut Gürkan visited the affected areas to oversee operations. Uraloğlu emphasized that no risks would be taken in residential zones, prioritizing evacuations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı noted that most of Türkiye’s 61 major fires between July 4 and 22 were human-induced. Prosecutors have launched investigations into fires across 33 provinces, with legal action taken against 97 suspects since June 26.
Broader Context and Impact
The Bursa fire is part of a nationwide wildfire crisis, with 76 blazes reported on July 26 alone—28 in forested areas and 48 in rural regions. Other affected areas include Antalya, Ankara, Mersin, Muğla, and Çanakkale, with Izmir and Bilecik declared disaster areas. Tragically, 14 deaths have been reported in recent weeks, including 10 rescue volunteers and forestry workers killed in a fire in Eskişehir. The Bursa animal shelter was successfully evacuated, with no reported injuries to animals or residents so far.
Public and Official Warnings
The Bursa Governor’s Office and Kestel Municipality have urged residents to follow official instructions and take precautions. Minister Yumaklı called on citizens to avoid lighting fires, discarding cigarette butts, or leaving trash in nature to prevent further outbreaks. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds continues to elevate fire risks across Türkiye’s northwest, particularly in Karabük and Bursa.
Ongoing Challenges
As Türkiye grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, the Bursa wildfire underscores the growing threat of climate-driven disasters. Firefighting efforts persist, with aviation support and ground crews working tirelessly. However, the scale of the blaze and its proximity to urban areas highlight the urgent need for preventive measures and public awareness to mitigate future risks.For updates, residents are advised to monitor local authorities and emergency broadcasts. The situation remains critical, with officials warning that the fire season is far from over.
