Air crews and emergency teams are in a race against time as wildfires continue to rage across northwest Turkey, particularly in Bursa Province, where intense heat and strong winds are fueling fast-moving flames.

The wildfires, which broke out earlier this week, have burned through large areas of forest and farmland, threatening residential zones and prompting evacuations. Aerial firefighting units, including helicopters and planes, are working alongside more than 1,000 firefighters on the ground in a desperate attempt to bring the blaze under control.

“The flames are spreading quickly due to the dry conditions and wind,” said a spokesperson from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD). “Our air crews are performing continuous water drops, but the terrain is making it difficult.”

Local authorities have evacuated several villages as a precaution, while emergency shelters have been opened for displaced residents. Smoke from the fires has covered large parts of Bursa, raising health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.

Hospitals in the area have treated dozens of people for smoke inhalation and heat-related stress. Officials have also warned residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed due to poor air quality.

This latest wildfire outbreak comes amid a broader pattern of extreme weather and rising temperatures across the region. Environmental experts point to climate change as a key driver, warning that the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Turkey are likely to increase without significant mitigation efforts.

“This is not just a seasonal issue—it’s part of a larger environmental crisis,” said a local ecologist. “Urgent investment is needed in fire prevention, reforestation, and climate adaptation.”