A Recurring Disaster Every Year: Forest Fires

With every summer season, our forests — the lifeblood of nature — fall prey to the flames. Simultaneous fires breaking out in Cyprus and Turkey are just a few examples of what has become an all-too-familiar disaster. This destruction, which repeats every year, reminds us of the need to reassess our relationship with nature and to develop sustainable solutions. Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, a faculty member in the Environmental Engineering Department at Cyprus International University, stated that these fires clearly reveal the extent of the climate crisis and the inadequacy of current management systems. 

Kıdak, in her statement regarding the fires, said: “The forest fires that simultaneously occurred Limassol and Paphos cities in Cyprus and Eskişehir and Bilecik provinces in Turkey are not merely natural events; they also serve as a profound environmental warning.” Kıdak noted that, in recent days, temperatures exceeded 42 °C in Cyprus and 40 °C in Eskişehir, stating:
“The humidity dropped below 15%, and wind speeds reached 60 kilometers per hour. These conditions are known to create the highest risk environment for forest fires. Such extreme weather events are no longer exceptions; they are direct consequences of climate change.”

She reminded that the forested areas around Limassol and Paphos in Cyprus consist of much more than just trees — they include Mediterranean pine forests, maquis vegetation, endemic species, and important bird migration routes: “The destruction of these rich ecosystems by flames represents not only an immediate loss but also an environmental disaster that could impact future decades. Even if reforestation efforts begin after the fire, the natural ecosystems will take a long time to recover.” Regarding Turkey, Kıdak emphasized that while forest fires usually occur along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, this time it has become clear that inland areas such as Eskişehir and Bilecik are also at serious risk: “In these regions, forests and agricultural lands are intertwined. Therefore, the fires harm not only nature but also people’s livelihoods.” According to initial assessments, Kıdak stated that the fires were most likely caused by human activity: “This situation reveals just how inadequate public education, early warning systems, and local monitoring mechanisms are. Yet forest fires can generally be contained if controlled within the first 30 minutes. Once this critical window is missed, intervention becomes significantly more difficult,” she said.

Kıdak emphasized that the complete extinguishing of the fires does not mean the threat is over, stating: “The PM2.5 and PM10 particles released increase air pollution and trigger cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. This invisible danger poses a serious health risk, especially for the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic conditions.”

Kıdak stated that forest fires expose not only environmental vulnerabilities but also the level of preparedness within societies and the responsiveness of governing bodies during crises. “Forest fires, which are part of climate change, are unfortunately still treated as if they are separate crises. Fire management cannot become sustainable unless it is integrated with climate policies. While the lack of sufficient firefighting aircraft is currently a major topic of discussion, investment is needed not only in firefighting equipment but also in preventive and preparatory systems,” she said.

Kıdak offered several key recommendations, including developing fire risk maps, expanding satellite- and drone-based monitoring networks, creating buffer zones between forests and residential areas, reforestation with native species using controlled and scientific methods, providing fire education in schools and rural areas, establishing volunteer fire brigades, and
implementing fire prevention strategies that are integrated with climate policies.
Kıdak emphasized that the fires threaten not only forests but also human life and our future, stating: “When the flames pass, what’s left behind is not just ash, but also lessons that must be learned. Unless we develop a way of life in harmony with nature, such disasters will become not just warnings, but painful routines.”