23.07.2025 09:25
Between July 4 and July 22, 23 suspects were detained in connection with 61 forest fires. Four of them were arrested, and judicial control measures were imposed on 19 others.
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Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared striking data with the public regarding the forest fires that broke out across Turkey in July. Minister Yerlikaya announced that 61 forest fires occurred between July 4-22, and that 23 suspects were detained in connection with these fires, with 4 of them being arrested.
CAUSES OF FIRES: SPARKS, NEGLIGENCE, CARELESSNESS
According to the information shared by Minister Yerlikaya on his social media account, the majority of the fires were caused by sparks from combine harvesters and baling machines, carelessly lit fires, and fires originating from vehicle engines.
Here are some notable cases:
- Eskişehir-Seyitgazi: Fire caused by forestry workers. Judicial control for 2 suspects.
- Hatay-Dörtyol: A suspect named S.K. was arrested.
- Balıkesir-Dursunbey: Judicial control for 3 people due to a fire caused by sparks from a combine harvester.
- Uşak-Banaz and Central: Judicial control for 4 suspects in two different fires caused by a baling machine.
- Tunceli-Mazgirt: A candle placed in a cemetery ignited dry grass. Judicial control for 1 person.
- Manisa-Saruhanlı: In two fires caused by a grass cutting and welding machine, 1 person was arrested, and 1 person was placed under judicial control.
- Bilecik-Kurt Village: 1 arrest and 1 judicial control following a combine harvester fire.
Yerlikaya emphasized that most of the fires were caused by negligence and carelessness. The Minister stated that caution should be exercised in agricultural activities and that legal proceedings against those responsible for the fires would be carried out meticulously.
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