Global forest fires are an increasing phenomenon and affect the environment, climate and human health. The main causes of these fires include natural factors and human activities. One significant natural factor is temperature changes and extreme weather, which is often caused by climate change. Dry and hot conditions speed up the fire process, especially in areas with rich vegetation. On the other hand, human activities such as deforestation, clearing land for agriculture, and irresponsible land burning practices also contribute greatly to forest fires. Burning forests to gain agricultural land is often carried out without proper planning, creating a higher risk of fire. The population explosion and ever-increasing demand for food products are also exacerbating this situation. The impact of forest fires is very broad. From an environmental perspective, these fires cause significant biodiversity loss. Natural habitats are being destroyed, leaving many species threatened with extinction. Additionally, forest fires release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which exacerbates climate change. According to research, forest fires are responsible for around 10-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. From a health perspective, the smoke produced from fires can cause respiratory problems and other health problems. Most of these impacts are more pronounced in communities living near fire areas, where air quality has decreased drastically. Crops and water resources are also polluted, which in turn affects food security and public health. On the positive side, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of forest fires. Sustainable forest management, reforestation, and public education about the dangers of fire are important solutions. Implementing strict policies against land burning practices and increasing awareness about the impacts of forest fires can help prevent the recurrence of this problem. In a global context, international cooperation is very crucial to overcome forest fires. Countries must share knowledge, technology and resources to develop effective prevention strategies. In addition, ongoing scientific research on forest fires and their impacts needs to be encouraged to create innovative solutions. With the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires, there is an urgent need to educate the public and government to be more proactive in addressing this issue. Stricter policies, increased awareness, and global cooperation can be an effective first step in mitigating forest fires.
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