Ankara Governor’s Office Bans Forest Entry from June 1 to September 30
Ankara, May 22 – The Ankara Governor’s Office has announced a comprehensive ban on entry into forested areas between June 1 and September 30, 2026. This measure is implemented to prevent forest fires, responding to the heightened risk posed by increased human activity and persistent high-risk weather conditions across Turkey.
Measures to Combat Forest Fires
The official statement from the Governor’s Office highlighted the necessity of these precautions. It noted that the surge in human and vehicle presence in wooded areas, combined with meteorological conditions conducive to forest fires, necessitated immediate action. The ban applies to all forested areas, with specific exceptions for certain national parks, picnic areas, nature parks, and forest parks that are under the supervision and control of authorized administrations.
Under the provisions of Article 74 of the Forest Law No. 6831 and Articles 9 and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442, entry into these designated forest areas is strictly prohibited during the specified period.
Restrictions on Picnics and Camping
The announcement also detailed restrictions on recreational activities within the permitted areas. In supervised picnic areas, nature parks, forest parks, and national parks, the use of barbecues, grills, and similar fire-starting equipment is only allowed between 09:00 and 21:00. Furthermore, camping and pitching tents are prohibited outside of designated camping businesses. All visitors must vacate these areas by 22:00.
The Governor’s Office emphasized, “In the forests within our province, in picnic areas, nature parks, forest parks, and national parks under the supervision and control of authorized administrations, fire-lit picnics and camping will not be permitted outside of the 09:00-21:00 hours in places with designated hearths, barbecues, and similar facilities. Exit from these areas must be completed by 22:00.”
Prohibition of Agricultural Burning and Fireworks
In addition to the general entry ban, specific activities that pose a fire risk are also prohibited. These include the burning of stubble, garden waste, and any kind of plant cover in forest-adjacent or near-forest residential areas and neighborhoods. The use of fireworks is also strictly forbidden in these locations, as stipulated by Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law.
Responsibilities of Facilities and Public Utilities
The directive places significant responsibility on various entities to mitigate fire risks. Facilities and industrial organizations located near forest areas are required to take all necessary preventive measures against potential fire hazards resulting from their activities. Energy transmission line companies, including Başkent EDAŞ, TEDAŞ, and TEİAŞ, must conduct essential maintenance, especially in sections of lines passing through forested areas. They are also mandated to take all precautions against fire risks and implement power cuts when necessary.
All municipalities are instructed to create protective buffer zones around waste collection areas located within, at the edge of, or adjacent to forests. They must also keep necessary construction machinery on standby to address fire risks. Furthermore, safety strips must be established around areas posing special fire hazards, such as railway edges, picnic areas, tourist sites, residential areas, all types of facilities, and agricultural lands.
These comprehensive measures underscore the seriousness with which the Ankara Governor’s Office is addressing the threat of forest fires, aiming to protect the region’s natural resources and ensure public safety during the high-risk summer months.
