The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for anyone visiting Turkey over the summer months. Wildfires happen frequently in the country during the warmer months and extreme temperatures can affect many areas.
Heightened Wildfire Risk Period
According to the latest UK government guidance, the risk of wildfires in Turkey is heightened from April until October. If there is a wildfire in your area, local authorities may tell you to leave your accommodation. You are advised to follow the instructions given by local authorities.
Gov.uk said: "You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland. Look out for signs that tell you fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited."
Affected Regions
Fires in Turkey usually concentrate in the dry pine and scrubland zones of the Mediterranean coast and the Aegean hills. The provinces most regularly affected include Muğla, which covers Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Antalya, İzmir and Adana. Beach resorts themselves are rarely directly threatened but fires in adjacent inland areas can produce smoke and road closures that affect access.
In 2025, fires near İzmir displaced tens of thousands of residents and led to temporary evacuation of some tourist areas. Travellers are advised to buy travel insurance before departure and register with their embassy if they plan to stay in remote or coastal areas.
Cyprus Wildfire Guidance
The UK Foreign Office has issued similar wildfire guidance for Cyprus, it said: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October." You should ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable and the situation can change quickly, you should follow the guidance of the emergency services and call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Broader European Context
Other parts of Europe have faced severe wildfires. Spanish authorities confirmed a 93-year-old British woman has died after being injured in the devastating wildfires that swept through southern Spain. The number of fatalities from the fires stands at 13. At least four are thought to be British, after four bodies were found in a burnt-out car with its steering wheel on the right.
Yesterday, a major incident was declared in North Wales due to the spread of a wildfire. Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment." The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time.
