In recent days, Turkey and parts of the eastern Mediterranean and southeast Europe are experiencing a growing wildfire crisis, as widespread fires cause significant damage and force mass evacuations. Fires are approaching Bulgaria’s southern borders with Greece and Turkey, as well as areas near the western Serbian frontier. Emergency firefighting operations are underway across the region to contain and manage these wildfires.
Image Source: https://www.iqair.com/sa/air-quality-map
Reason for the Fire Outbreaks
Turkey and parts of the eastern Mediterranean are experiencing record-breaking heatwaves, resulting in unseasonably high temperatures and dry conditions. These conditions, combined with strong winds, have contributed to the spread of wildfires across the region. In some areas, human activity—such as discarded cigarettes and open flames—has been cited as a cause. Authorities in Albania, Bulgaria, and Turkey have arrested several individuals in connection with suspected arson.
Impact on Different Regions
- Turkey: Severe wildfires have been affecting Turkey since late June. Fires have erupted near Bursa, Karabuk, Kahramanmaraş, and Izmir. As of 29 July, at least 17 people have been affected by the fires, including fatalities and injuries. More than 3,500 people were evacuated due to a wildfire in Bursa. Izmir and Bilecik were declared disaster areas. Some local authorities have imposed restrictions on water consumption, including in the resort town of Çeşme.
- Greece: A fire broke out in Athens on 28 July, prompting firefighting operations using water-dropping planes and helicopters. Authorities imposed road closures near the affected area, including on the main highway encircling the city. Over the weekend, strong winds reignited a fire on the island of Kythera, affecting approximately 10 percent of the island’s land area and forcing the evacuation of several villages. On 27 July, firefighters battled five major fire fronts in the Peloponnese region and on the islands of Evia and Crete.
- Bulgaria: Hundreds of wildfires have been reported across Bulgaria, with the most severe near the southwestern village of Strumyani. A large fire near Lesovo village has been active since 27 July, leading to evacuations and prompting Turkey to send a firefighting team to support Bulgarian crews. As of 28 July, authorities reported extinguishing 269 fires.
- Albania: Wildfires in Albania have damaged thousands of acres of land. On 28 July, firefighters responded to at least six separate fires across the country. The northeastern regions remain especially vulnerable. Fires have also flared in the southern municipalities of Delvinë and Konispol, and in the Himarë district along the Adriatic coast.
Outlook on the Situation
High temperatures are expected to persist across Turkey and southeast Europe, increasing the risk of new wildfire outbreaks and making existing fires harder to control. Turkey’s forestry minister, İbrahim Yumaklı, has stated that some fires may take several days to be fully contained. The wildfires may continue to damage land and infrastructure, potentially disrupting essential services such as electricity and telecommunications. Smoke and particulate matter from the fires could also worsen air quality and increase the risk of cardiorespiratory illnesses, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions. Authorities may impose restrictions on movement and travel in affected areas, which could cause localized disruption to transportation and supply chains. Organizations are advised to stay updated with official weather warnings and prepare contingency plans accordingly.
