On 27 July 2025, wildfires spread rapidly in Bursa province in northwestern Turkey, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,700 people and destroying large forest areas.
Despite the scale of the fires, a 2.5-hectare nectarine orchard in Karahıdır village remained untouched. Farmer Halil Kiraz explained that the orchard survived because of moist soil conditions, the absence of dry weeds, and the presence of a road surrounding it. Nearby orchards were also unaffected.
The wildfires, fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, burned nearly 100 hectares in the Gürsu district. Authorities confirmed that the fires were brought under control by the fourth and fifth days.
The disaster caused two deaths and damage to infrastructure, including roads. Local authorities and firefighters worked to contain the spread during a heatwave that has affected Turkey and other parts of Europe.
Source: BBC