The Role of Fire Departments in Combating Forest Fires in Muğla

Muğla is a region located in the southwest of Turkey, renowned for its unique natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and vast forested areas. Situated at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, this special geography holds great importance for both environmental balance and tourism. However, preserving these valuable natural assets requires a serious effort, especially due to the increasing threat of forest fires during the summer months. The Muğla Fire Department plays a frontline role in this effort, with a core mission of responding to fires and other emergencies and disasters to protect the environment and minimize loss of life and property for the people living in Muğla.

Mehmet Karyağdı - Muğla Fire Department Chief

With the metropolitan municipality restructuring that took place in 2014, the Muğla Fire Department became responsible for all residential areas within the provincial borders. Beyond the duties defined by the Firefighting Regulation, our Fire Department has taken on a broader responsibility due to the province’s vast forested areas, long coastline, and the significant population increase during the tourism season.

Approximately 68% of Muğla is covered by forests, and the province has a coastline stretching over 1,479 kilometers. The rise in population during the summer months increases the risk of fires even in areas outside residential zones; the department must respond to a wide range of fire incidents, including those in forested areas, coastal zones, and even on boats.

Although forest fires in our country fall under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Forestry, the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, with its vehicles, personnel, and institutional capacity, is one of the most significant supporting forces in combating these fires. Our department plays an active role especially in extinguishing and cooling operations, often intervening in forest fires at an early stage and playing a critical role in preventing them from spreading.

Geographical and Climatic Structure of Muğla

Muğla has the typical characteristics of a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. During the summer months, temperatures often exceed 35°C, and humidity levels can drop below 20%. These conditions are the primary factors that increase the risk of fires in forested areas. Approximately 68% of Muğla's total area is covered by forests, and these areas are filled with flammable plant species such as pine, cedar, and juniper. The region's rugged terrain and dense forest cover are geographical factors that make it difficult to control fires. Districts along the coastline, such as Milas, Bodrum, Marmaris, Datça, and Fethiye, are particularly vulnerable to fires due to high tourism density and windy weather conditions. The northerly and meltem winds that blow in the summer months can cause even a small spark to quickly turn into a large-scale disaster.

Causes of Fires and Risk Factors

In regions like Muğla, which have vast forested areas and a rich natural heritage, fires pose a significant threat both environmentally and socially. The causes of fires can generally be categorized into two main groups: natural factors and human-induced factors. This section addresses the primary elements and risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of forest fires.

Natural Causes

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the main factors triggering forest fires in Muğla, as it is globally. The lengthening of drought periods, rising temperatures beyond seasonal norms, and irregularities in rainfall patterns dry out the forest cover, creating a more favorable environment for fires. The decrease in humidity and the drying of the soil, particularly in the summer months, have prepared the ground for fires to spread rapidly.

"Especially during the summer months, the risk of fire increases significantly when campfires are left unextinguished, cigarette butts are discarded in forested areas, and stubble burning is carried out in agricultural fields.”

Lightning Strikes

Among the natural causes, lightning strikes, especially dry lightning seen at the end of summer, play a significant role in starting fires. Dry lightning causes high-temperature electrical discharges without rainfall, which can ignite easily flammable surfaces.

Human-Induced Causes 

Carelessness and Negligence

The vast majority of fires caused by human activity result from carelessness and negligence. Especially during the summer months, the risk of fire increases significantly when campfires are left unextinguished, cigarette butts are discarded in forested areas, and stubble burning is carried out in agricultural fields.

Arson

Deliberately set fires, or arson cases, are also not negligible. Analyzes conducted during the major forest fires of 2021 revealed that many of the fires were caused by human actions. These actions cause not only environmental damage but also significant harm to human life, agriculture, tourism, and the economy.

Increasing Fire Risk

According to data from the General Directorate of Forestry, the risk of fires in Muğla during the summer months has increased by 30% in the past 20 years. This dramatic rise is seen as a result of both environmental disruptions and a lack of public awareness. Therefore, raising individual awareness and strengthening institutional measures are of vital importance.

Muğla Fire Department's Firefighting Capacity

Muğla Fire Department operates with a total of 161 vehicles and 446 personnel at 41 strategically located fire stations across the province. To ensure a rapid initial response to fires, especially in rural areas where the fires, especially in rural areas where the  settlements are scattered, 185 3-ton capacity tractor-mounted initial intervention tankers have been distributed according to the location of fire stations, with a focus on rural neighborhoods. Additionally, there are 1,926 active fire hydrants across the province, which serve as vital water sources during a fire, significantly increasing the speed of effective fire response. Furthermore, the Fire Department has strengthened its response capacity through partnerships with various organizations, including collaboration with the Forestry Regional Directorate, search and rescue efforts, and fire interventions. Protocols have been established with 10 NGOs, 122 professional firefighter volunteers, and 8 private fire brigades, enhancing the department's intervention capabilities.

Muğla Fire Department 2024 Intervention Data

The Muğla Fire Department has provided a significant public service throughout 2024 by responding swiftly and effectively to incidents across the city. Over the course of the year, the department intervened in a total of 7,571 incidents, addressing a wide range of duties from fires to traffic accidents and animal rescue operations.

The detailed distribution of the incidents responded to is as follows:

• 323 building fires

• 130 workplace fires

• 251 vehicle fires

• 152 forest/nursery fires

• 2,457 grass, hay, waste, and stubble fires

• 11 ship/boat fires

• 571 traffic accidents

• 650 animal rescues

• 151 flooding incidents

• 2,875 other incidents

These data demonstrate that the Muğla Fire Department is not only prepared for fires but also equipped to handle emergencies that can arise in all areas of life. The efforts and determination shown throughout 2024 highlight the critical role of the department in ensuring the safety and security of the public.

Measures and Strategies Taken

As the Muğla Fire Department, we adopt proactive approaches in firefighting. In this context, risk mapping is one of our key measures. The fire-sensitive areas of Muğla province have been analyzed using various criteria such as past fire data, vegetation density, and climatic conditions, and detailed risk maps have been created. These maps allow our intervention teams to identify areas where more intensive measures should be taken in advance.

To enhance fire prevention measures, our inspection and information activities have significantly contributed to compliance with regulations. Since 2014, under the Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings, a total of:

• 8,912 fire reports

• 1,337 information and identification letters

• 1,792 project compliance opinion letters have been issued.

During the same period, inspections have been carried out at 4,642 businesses. In 2024 alone, 812 fire reports were issued to businesses, of which 283 were for establishments involved in accommodation activities. These figures are a tangible indicator of our efforts to raise fire safety awareness across the province and ensure compliance with building regulations.

“As the Muğla Fire Department, we carry out extensive training and awareness programs to inform the public about fire risks, encourage preventive behaviors, and build a disaster-resilient society.”

Social Awareness and Training Activities

The success of firefighting is directly linked not only to technical capacity but also to the level of awareness within the community. As the Muğla Fire Department, we carry out extensive training and awareness programs to inform the public about fire risks, encourage preventive behaviors, and build a disaster-resilient society. In this context, we aim to spread the awareness of "don’t play with fire" through seminars organized in schools, villages, and especially in tourism areas with high populations during the summer months. In 2024, fire and other emergency training was provided to 40,927 people in 389 institutions, 4,167 citizens in 355 rural neighborhoods, and 11,719 students in 133 rural schools.

To ensure active community participation, the volunteer firefighter project was implemented, playing a critical role in early fire intervention. Volunteers trained in basic firefighting techniques contribute to preventing loss of life and property by intervening at the scene before professional teams arrive. 

As of today, 122 volunteer firefighters working actively in 13 districts significantly increase our field capacity in firefighting. For example, in a fire in Bodrum, the early detection and timely intervention by one of our volunteer firefighters helped control the fire before it could spread.

Future Vision and Recommendations

Our future goals for combating forest fires in Muğla encompass both technological and societal dimensions. Among the technological innovations, solutions such as AI-powered fire prediction systems and autonomous tracked and flying firefighting drones are included. 

These systems can predict the likelihood of fires occurring in advance, allowing our teams to respond more quickly. Additionally, with the more effective use of satellite imaging technologies, post-fire damage assessment and rehabilitation processes can be improved.

In firefighting operations, enhancing the capacity of the vehicles and equipment used by firefighters, along with advanced training in their areas of responsibility, is also a focus for ensuring more equipped personnel.

We are developing training and awareness programs to encourage forest villagers to take a more active role in fire prevention. As Muğla Fire Department, we have been conducting training, especially through rural school students and village headmen. In recent years, rural areas have experienced migration, a decrease in the younger population, and an increase in the elderly population. 

In these neighborhoods, the aging of buildings, weak electrical infrastructure, preference for traditional heating systems, and the spread of technology to rural areas have caused fires due to inadequate electrical infrastructure. These fires often result in the deaths of disadvantaged individuals (due to age-related issues such as limited vision, hearing, and mobility). 

As a result, we are working on a smoke detector project for disadvantaged homes, with the aim of preventing house fires. Additionally, we plan to offer alternative income sources to avoid risky practices like stubble burning.

Legal Responsibilities in Forest Fires

Constitution (Article 169):

• The protection and development of forests is a duty assigned to the state.

• The destruction or reduction of forests is prohibited

• The task of extinguishing forest fires is the responsibility of the state, and therefore, of the General Directorate of Forestry.

Forest Law (Law No. 6831, Articles 68–69)

• The prevention and extinguishing of forest fires, as well as forest protection, are the direct responsibilities of the Forestry Organization (General Directorate of Forestry).

• All kinds of efforts related to forest fire response fall under the core mandate of the General Directorate of Forestry.

Municipal Fire Brigade Regulation (Article 1 and relevant provisions):

• Municipal fire departments are not primarily responsible for intervening in forest fires.

• Their participation is only possible upon request.

• In the event of a forest fire, municipal fire brigades provide support only if requested by the Forestry Organization.

Turkey Disaster Response Plan (TAMP):

• Lead Agency for the Fire Working Group: Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

• Fire brigades and forestry organizations are defined as supporting solution partners.

• However, TAMP has been criticized for its division of responsibilities, as it assigns responsibilities to various institutions despite the constitutional and legal authority for forest fires resting solely with the Forestry Organization.

Provincial Risk Reduction Plan (IRAP):

• This plan is prepared to reduce disaster risks at the provincial level.

• In IRAP, institutions assigned roles regarding forest fires must assume responsibilities in line with their legal authority, and these tasks must be carefully monitored.

• IRAP mainly aims to take preventive measures, but the assigned duties must align with the legal competencies of the institutions.

Summary of Legal Conclusions:

• The primary responsibility for forest fires lies with the Forestry Organization.

• Fire departments provide support but are not the main authority for intervention.

• When preparing plans like TAMP and IRAP, it is essential to respect the constitutional and legal boundaries of institutional responsibilities.

• Oversight and responsibility tracking must be clearly defined, the responsible institutions must be specified, and periodic reporting must be conducted.

Conclusion

The fight against forest fires in Muğla is a shared responsibility, not only of the fire department but of all segments of society. Protecting our natural beauties, biodiversity, and future requires more conscious and organized efforts at both individual and institutional levels

As the Muğla Fire Department, we are aware of this responsibility and are determined to do everything we can in the fight against fires. With technological innovations, societal awareness, and strategic planning, we will continue to work tirelessly to preserve Muğla's green landscape for future generations.

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