Forest fires in Turkey's Antalya province have seen a significant decline due to intensified preventive measures and enhanced monitoring systems, local authorities report.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Antalya Governor Hulusi Sahin announced these findings during the Provincial Public Order and Security Assessment Meeting held at the Coast Guard Group Command.
Governor Sahin stated that the implementation of early warning systems and public awareness campaigns this year has yielded positive results. According to his remarks, the number of forest fires recorded in the current year has decreased by approximately 50 percent compared to the same period last year.
The Governor noted that recent fires have been primarily driven by natural factors, including high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, electrical short circuits, and instances of spontaneous combustion in certain areas. He emphasized that rapid intervention during fires occurring between July 28 and August 1 helped minimize potential damage. Currently, gendarmerie forces have strengthened patrols in forested areas, and coordination with local administrative bodies remains ongoing.
Antalya, a major tourism hub on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, is particularly vulnerable to forest fires during the summer months due to its dry climate and high temperatures. The region's extensive forest cover is critical for both the local ecosystem and the tourism industry, making fire prevention a top priority for regional authorities.
During the meeting, officials also addressed the issue of microplastic pollution observed along the Antalya coastline. Authorities indicated that this pollution is partly attributed to waste flowing from other regions. A scientific seminar involving relevant institutions is planned for late August or early September to discuss new measures for coastal protection and environmental preservation.
