Sivas Felicity Party calls for preventive policies against forest fires

Mehmet Zahit Tokgöz, the provincial head of the Felicity Party in Sivas, drew attention to the increasing forest fires in Turkey in recent years and emphasized the importance of preventive policies in combating fires. He stated that fires now threaten not only natural areas but also human life, settlements, agricultural production, and ecological balance. He pointed out that climate change, rising temperatures, and drought conditions increase the risk of fires. He also noted that unplanned construction and improper land use policies exacerbate this risk.

Tokgöz expressed that the Felicity Party sees forests as the common wealth of the nation and a fundamental element of environmental security. He stressed that the main goal in firefighting should be preventing fires from occurring rather than intervening after they break out. He highlighted that the blurring of boundaries between forest areas and residential zones, uncontrolled construction, and unregulated human activities increase fire risk.

Tokgöz proposed the creation of protective buffer zones between forests and residential areas. He called for the uncompromising implementation of safe distance rules near forests and the mandatory adoption of fire-resistant building standards. He also emphasized the need to review fire safety roads and strips, noting that long-neglected maintenance and renewal work must be completed. He said infrastructure deficiencies should be addressed to enable faster access for response teams.

Stressing the vital importance of strengthening institutional coordination, Tokgöz stated that a strong coordination mechanism should be established to clarify roles and responsibilities in disaster and fire management and to enable rapid decision-making. He noted that firefighting is not solely the responsibility of public institutions; raising public awareness, developing volunteer systems, and educating citizens about fire risks are also crucial. He particularly emphasized the need to involve young people and local communities more in these processes.

Tokgöz also highlighted the need to make more effective use of technological opportunities. He called for the widespread adoption of AI-supported early warning systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, digital risk maps, and modern monitoring technologies. He stressed the importance of strong collaborations between universities, research centers, and public institutions. In conclusion, he stated that protecting nature is not only an environmental policy but also a moral and conscientious responsibility, and invited all public institutions, local governments, and citizens to be more sensitive to forest fires, strengthen preventive measures, and act with a shared sense of responsibility.