Wildfire claims life and property in Türkiye ahead of COP31

ANTALYA, Türkiye - September 10, 2026

A wildfire swept through parts of Türkiye’s southern Antalya province this week, killing one person, destroying property and forcing hundreds from their homes, renewing attention to the growing risks posed by extreme fire events as the country prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, COP31.

The fire began in Antalya’s Aksu district on Monday evening and was quickly pushed towards neighbouring Kepez by strong winds. Thick smoke covered parts of the area as firefighters and residents worked to prevent the flames from spreading further.

An Aksu district local resident who had volunteered to help with firefighting did not make it home after suffering a heart attack following the effects of smoke, leading to his death.

At least two other people were hospitalised with burns, while six people were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Turkish authorities and local reports. More than 250 homes were evacuated as the fire threatened residential areas, while power was cut off for thousands of homes in the affected area. Additionally, the response has involved hundreds of firefighters, fire trucks, aircraft and helicopters. Local residents have also joined the effort, with farmers using tractors and water tankers to help transport water to areas affected by the flames.

This week’s fire is not an isolated incident. Other wildfires have been reported in Antalya’s Kumluca district, Mersin’s Bozyazı district and Adana’s Kozan district. Authorities said the fires in Kumluca and Bozyazı were largely brought under control, while firefighting operations continued in Aksu and Kozan.

It should, however, be noted that in late July, Türkiye also experienced widespread wildfires.

The fires in Türkiye come after a summer of extraordinary heat and wildfires across Europe. Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece have all battled major fires during a season marked by prolonged heatwaves, while Türkiye is now facing its own deadly blazes. In Spain, authorities recorded a record 61 heatwave days this year, while Italy experienced its hottest summer since 1950.

The heat is part of a wider global warning. August 2026 has reportedly been the hottest month ever recorded, with the global average surface air temperature reaching 16.96°C - 1.65°C above the pre-industrial average, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The record heat was accompanied by widespread wildfires across Europe and Asia, while prolonged heatwaves, drought and dry conditions created dangerous conditions for communities already facing the threat of fire. The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the combination of extreme heat and wildfires is also becoming a serious public-health threat, as wildfire smoke carries fine particles and other pollutants that can penetrate deep into the lungs and increase risks to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Wildfires come at a time when Türkiye is expected to host COP31 in November 2026, with loss and damage among the key issues confronting negotiators in Antalya. Countries are expected to push for progress on financing and the implementation of the Fund for responding to Loss and damage for vulnerable nations, particularly in Africa.