What happened
Fırat Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş. (Fırat EDAŞ) has warned farmers about fires caused by burning crop residue after harvest. The company supplies electricity distribution services in Elazığ, Malatya and Tunceli.
It said fires in its network area damaged 66 electricity poles during 2025. Fire incidents and safety-related power interruptions added up to 20 hours. Damage can affect poles, conductors, transformers and other network assets, with households in villages, irrigation pumps and livestock businesses supplied from the same line potentially losing power.
The company asked people not to burn residue or light fires around poles, conductors and transformers. It also advised against storing straw or bales beneath overhead lines. People should not approach fallen or hanging conductors during a fire, it said.
Why it matters
For farms and rural businesses, fires can disrupt power used for water pumping and animal husbandry while damaged equipment is repaired. High temperatures and smoke can also make repair work more hazardous and delay restoration of supply.
The warning also points to a compliance cost. Under the Environmental Law cited by Fırat EDAŞ, burning stubble in 2026 can result in an administrative penalty of TRY 698.62 for each decare. The penalty is multiplied by five where the offence occurs next to forests, wetlands or residential areas. Further legal action may arise if a fire damages other property or infrastructure.
Background
According to the company, residue burning degrades the soil's physical, chemical and biological condition by destroying organic matter and beneficial organisms. It can increase erosion risk and reduce yields. Fires may also spread to neighbouring fields, wooded areas, animal shelters and settlements, while smoke can reduce visibility on roads.
What's next
Fırat EDAŞ said farmers can seek support from provincial and district agriculture and forestry directorates on alternatives, including incorporating residue into soil or using it for bales and feed. It asked people to report land or stubble fires to the 112 emergency call centre, and situations affecting the electricity network to the 186 fault reporting and call centre.
