Istanbul Governor’s Office Announces Forest Entry Ban to Prevent Fires
Istanbul, June 7 – The Istanbul Governor’s Office has announced a comprehensive ban on entry to forest areas across the province from June 8, 2026, to October 15, 2026. This decision, aimed at preventing forest fires, excludes only specifically designated picnic and recreation areas.
The announcement, made today, highlights the increased human and vehicle traffic in forested regions during the summer months, which significantly escalates the risk of forest fires. The Governor’s Office stated, “As the Istanbul Governorship, we have taken a series of precautionary measures to prevent forest fires that may arise due to intentional or negligent actions.”
Details of the Ban and Exemptions
The ban has been implemented under Article 74 of the Forest Law No. 6831 and Articles 9 and 66 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442. While general entry to forests is prohibited, certain areas will remain open for public use. These include specified picnic and recreation areas, groves, parks, nature parks, and eco-tourism zones within Istanbul’s provincial boundaries. Activities such as picnics, sports, and walking are permitted in these designated locations.
However, outside of these listed areas, all forms of entry into forestlands – by vehicle or on foot – are strictly forbidden. This also includes a ban on lighting barbecues, using gas cylinders, shisha, or any other open flames for various purposes within these restricted forest areas.
Additional Preventive Measures
The Governor’s Office has also outlined several other critical measures:
- Prohibition of Burning Vegetation: All burning of stubble, vineyards, gardens, olive groves, and fields, as well as trees, branches, and all types of vegetation, is prohibited in all villages and neighborhoods, including those within, adjacent to, or unrelated to forest areas, under Articles 31 and 32 of the Forest Law.
- Industrial Facility Precautions: Facilities and industrial organizations located near forest areas must take all necessary preventive measures against fire risks that may arise from their activities.
- Energy Transmission Lines: Institutions responsible for the construction and maintenance of energy transmission lines (BEDAŞ, AYEDAŞ, TEİAŞ) are required to perform necessary maintenance, especially in sections passing through forested areas. They must take all precautions against fire risks and implement power cuts when necessary.
- Municipal Responsibilities: All municipalities must create protective bands around waste collection areas located within, at the edge of, or adjacent to forests. They must also keep necessary construction machinery (dozers, loaders, excavators) ready for fire risks.
- Inspection and Enforcement: Supervision and inspection teams, formed from general law enforcement and forest law enforcement under the coordination of district governorships and the Regional Directorate of Forestry, will conduct effective monitoring and control activities.
- Emergency Response: In necessary cases, all public and private sector resources will be utilized under the command of district governorships to effectively combat potential fires.
The Governor’s Office warned that administrative and judicial actions will be taken against those who violate these decisions and measures as stipulated by the relevant laws.
This proactive step by the Istanbul Governor’s Office underscores the critical importance of protecting the region’s forests, especially as summer temperatures rise and the risk of devastating wildfires increases.
Source: http://mobil.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/istanbul-valiligi-duyurdu-istanbulda-ormanlara-giris-yasaklandi-43195270
