Disaster Response
IFAW supports frontline responders to Turkey wildfires
IFAW supports frontline responders to Turkey wildfires
August 13, 2025
Since late June, dozens of wildfires have flared up across Turkey, devastating communities and wildlife habitats. Two western provinces, Izmir and Bilecik, have been declared disaster areas. At least 14 lives have been lost, including volunteers, forestry workers, and firefighters. Wildlife and community animals have been impacted as well, with pets and livestock displaced alongside their owners and wildlife facing injury, illness, and habitat loss. Our hearts and thoughts are with those affected by this disaster.
IFAW is supporting trusted partners in Turkey who are working on the ground to provide life-saving aid alongside firefighters, veterinarians, and local authorities.
One of our established partners, Angels Farm Sanctuary (Haybap Ferdinand Hayvanlara ve Doğaya Ahbap Derneği), operates a highly trained search and rescue team, HARK, and a sanctuary in Izmir. They are taking in a wide variety of companion animals and livestock, while transferring wildlife to specialised carers. IFAW is supporting them in providing veterinary and daily care. We have worked with Angels Farm Sanctuary since 2023, when we supported their earthquake response efforts.
A newer partner, Save the Pawties (Empati Hayvan Koruma Kurtarma ve Yaşatma Derneği) in Izmir, has taken in about 60 dogs evacuated from fire-impacted communities, many experiencing burns, smoke inhalation, and other injuries. Our support will help cover veterinary costs, easing the strain on their already stretched resources.
Our support ensures animals in crisis receive the urgent care they need, while also bolstering the capacity of these local groups to respond to future disasters.
IFAW has been dedicated to helping communities prepare, respond to, and recover from disasters around the world for more than 20 years. We are collaborating with local organisations and municipalities, ensuring that animals and the people who care for them are not forgotten during this crisis and in the recovery ahead.
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