Intensified Precautions Against Wildfires in Uludağ by Turkish Gendarmerie
BURSA – The Turkish Gendarmerie is vigilantly patrolling Uludağ, the highest mountain in the Marmara Region, both from the air and ground 24/7 to prevent wildfires. Uludağ is a significant location for winter sports and tourism, housing numerous facilities.
As part of the “Forest Fire Fighting Commission” decisions enforced by the Bursa Governorship, access to forest areas and the lighting of samovars and fires in picnic areas have been prohibited since July 1. This has led to increased inspections across the province.
In response to rising temperatures and heightened fire risks, the Provincial Gendarmerie Command has heightened alertness in forested areas, particularly in Uludağ National Park and other center and district areas.
Gendarmerie teams are informing visitors to the National Park about these commission decisions, issuing warnings as necessary. Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK), Gendarmerie Special Operations (JÖH), Environmental Protection, and Traffic Teams are managing reconnaissance and surveillance activities in these areas.
Teams stationed at critical watchtowers, together with officers from the Bursa Regional Forestry Directorate, are maintaining constant communication and keeping watch over Uludağ day and night. Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), the teams continue their duties, with helicopters equipped with water buckets ready for action in case of a fire.
Gendarmerie Crime Investigation Teams (JASAT) conduct investigations and inquiries post-fire. Thanks to these measures, no fires have been reported within the National Park boundaries this summer. The gendarmerie personnel also assisted in extinguishing minor forest fires in Büyükorhan and Keles districts.
“Ensuring Personnel Are Trained and Ready for Summer”
Gendarmerie Major Bülent Keskinsoy, Head of the Provincial Gendarmerie Command’s Public Order Branch, explained that entry to forested areas has been banned until October 1. During this period, their roles are critically important, and they remain on high alert to protect the forests from fires. “Our commando, public order, JASAT, environmental, traffic, JAK teams, and dog units on the ground, and our Sikorsky S-70 and Mi-17 gendarmerie helicopters and drones under the command of the Provincial Gendarmerie Command in the air, are working continuously and in coordination with forest law enforcement staff to protect our green Bursa 24/7,” Keskinsoy stated.
JAK Team Commander Warrant Officer Yasin Demirkan highlighted the comprehensive training provided to personnel on fire prevention, appropriate intervention methods during a fire, and post-fire procedures. Demirkan emphasized that the systematic updating of training programs and practical applications contribute to their successful fire-fighting efforts.
Demirkan noted that the gendarmerie helicopters are ready to respond not only within Bursa but also to potential fires in surrounding provinces. He mentioned that two helicopters are on standby at the Provincial Gendarmerie Command headquarters.
“Since attaching a water bucket to the helicopters takes approximately 15 minutes, the helicopters are kept ready for immediate deployment with the water bucket already attached, minimizing any delays in response. This preparedness allows the two working helicopters to be dispatched in less than 15 minutes. They are equipped with night vision capabilities, allowing intervention even in darkness. During the winter months, when forest fires are infrequent, pilots and technicians undergo both theoretical and practical training in fire-fighting using water buckets, ensuring that personnel are trained and prepared for the summer season,” Demirkan explained.