2024 Forest Fire Fighting Preparedness Meeting

Under the auspices of Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, the 2024 Forest Fire Preparedness Meeting was held with the hosting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the participation of 23 provincial governors including Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin. During the meeting, 23 provincial governors at risk of forest fires came together.

Statements of Ministers

In his speech at the meeting, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya emphasized that forest fires are classified into different levels, stating, ‘We are determined, making efforts, and in a state of mobilization. Regardless of the level, an intervention organization against forest fires has been determined. All ministries and public institutions are working together.’

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı highlighted their efforts to increase Turkey’s forest assets, stating, ‘In the last 22 years, we have planted more than 7 billion seedlings. The forest areas in our country have now reached 23.4 million hectares, which constitutes 30% of our country.’

Döşemealtı Exercise

During the meeting, a controlled fire drill was carried out in the district of Döşemealtı in Antalya. The fire intervention planning was managed by the ‘Fire Management Center.’ With successful interventions by air and ground vehicles, the fire was brought under control and the drill was successfully completed.