4 arrests, 23 detained in forest fires

Investigations into the forest fires resulted in the detention of 23 suspects and the arrest of four others. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared detailed information on social media regarding the 61 forest fires that broke out between July 4 and 22.

Minister Yerlikaya announced that as a result of the investigations conducted by the gendarmerie, 23 people were detained, 4 of them were arrested, and judicial control decisions were imposed on 19 of them.

The fire, which broke out in the Bardakçı neighborhood of Eskişehir-Seyitgazi on July 4th, reportedly started in an area where forestry workers were working, and a judicial control order was issued for two suspects. SK, who was seen at the point of the fire in the Kesecik neighborhood of Hatay-Dörtyol, was arrested.

It was announced that the fire that broke out in the Kurtlar neighborhood of Dursunbey, Balıkesir, on July 7 was caused by sparks from a combine harvester, and that judicial control orders were issued for AG, İ.G., and SE. Fires in the Kızılhisar village of Banaz, Uşak, and the Derbent village of Merkez, Uşak, were similarly linked to sparks from agricultural machinery. A total of four individuals were placed on judicial control orders in connection with these fires.

Judicial control was also put in place for RK, who is believed to be responsible for the fire that broke out in the Kocaali village of Şarköy, Tekirdağ. AG and FU were detained in the fire that started in the Bayıryüzü village of Dursunbey, Balıkesir, on July 11; FU was arrested.

A judicial investigation was launched against SD for a fire that broke out in a parked vehicle in the village of Kocatarla, Kofçaz, Kırklareli. A judicial investigation was launched against YZG for a fire that broke out in the village of Aşağı Oyumca, Mazgirt, Tunceli, after a candle planted on a grave ignited dry grass.

It was reported that fires started due to sparks from agricultural machinery in Balıkesir-Manyas Çakırca Neighborhood, Konya-Doğanhisar Güvenlik Neighborhood, Kütahya-Gediz Üzümlü village, Bolu-Mudurnu Deliceler village, Manisa Saruhanlı Seyitoba and Apak neighborhoods and a total of 6 people were put under judicial control and 1 person was arrested.

It was stated that the fire in Bilecik Merkez Kurt village was caused by sparks from a combine harvester machine, U.Ü. and CP were detained, one person was arrested, and a judicial control decision was issued for the other.

Minister Yerlikaya stated that citizens should be more cautious and careful to protect forests during the summer months, adding, “May God protect our country and our nation from all kinds of disasters.”