A large forest fire in Edirne’s Enez district has put coastal communities on high alert. Originating near Büyükevren and Gülçavuş villages, the fire has spread rapidly with the help of strong winds. Emergency teams have been working around the clock, and evacuations—especially in coastal residential areas—have been carried out as a precaution. So far, 2,700 people have been moved to safety.
Rapid Spread and Emergency Response
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, flames were first spotted near the Büyükevren coastline. Carried by wind, the fire quickly reached Gülçavuş village and surrounding beach areas. While ground crews initially focused on containment overnight, aerial support resumed at dawn to assist with the firefighting efforts.
Multiple response teams have been deployed to the region, including AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority), the Forestry Directorate, local fire departments from Keşan, İpsala, and Enez, as well as surrounding municipalities. Thanks to their efforts, the fire is now largely under control, though cooling operations continue.
Governor’s Statement: Focus on Coastal Housing
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer emphasized that authorities are prioritizing the protection of residential sites located within or near forested zones. He noted that while the fire is not yet fully extinguished, efforts are concentrated on ensuring it does not affect nearby homes. Evacuations have mostly focused on coastal summer homes and areas deemed high-risk, while full-scale evacuations of central village areas have not been necessary.
Agriculture Minister Confirms Control
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that not only the fire in Edirne, but also blazes in Çanakkale (Ezine), Hatay (Yayladağı), and Manisa (Şehzadeler) have been brought under control. This update has brought some relief to residents and seasonal visitors in affected regions.
Casualties and Property Damage
Reports indicate that 15 people were injured during the fire, and four summer homes sustained damage. Fortunately, none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. The injured individuals are being treated at local hospitals.
Ongoing Cooling Efforts and Precautions
With the active flames subdued, emergency crews have shifted their focus to cooling down hotspots and monitoring for potential flare-ups. Residents are urged to stay away from the affected zones and comply with safety instructions issued by local authorities.
In Summary: The Danger Is Subdued, But Not Over
Although the immediate threat has diminished, the risk has not been entirely eliminated. Shifts in wind direction or dry weather conditions could potentially reignite the fire in certain areas. For this reason, firefighting teams remain on high alert and will continue working through the coming days.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Possible negligence or intentional acts are being considered, and further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
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