61 Forest Fires, 23 Arrests: Minister Yerlikaya Shares Details of July Wildfire Investigations
ali yerlikaya
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 23 individuals have been detained by the gendarmerie in connection with 61 forest fires reported across Turkey between July 4–22, 2025. Of those detained, 4 were formally arrested, while 19 were placed under judicial control.
In a detailed post shared on social media, Yerlikaya underlined the importance of public vigilance, particularly during hot summer months when wildfire risks are highest.
“Especially during summer, protecting our forests requires heightened caution from everyone,” Yerlikaya said.
“May Allah protect our nation from all disasters.”
Breakdown of Incidents and Legal Actions:
The Ministry listed the locations, causes, and suspect statuses linked to each incident:
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Eskişehir (Seyitgazi): Fire caused by forest workers. 2 suspects under judicial control.
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Hatay (Dörtyol): 1 suspect (S.K.) arrested.
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Balıkesir (Dursunbey): Multiple fires linked to combine harvester sparks. Several suspects under judicial control; 1 arrested.
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Uşak (Banaz & Merkez): Fires traced to harvesting equipment. 4 suspects placed under judicial control.
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Tekirdağ (Şarköy): 1 suspect under judicial control.
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Kırklareli (Kofçaz): Vehicle fire spread to forest. 1 suspect under judicial control.
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Tunceli (Mazgirt): Candle lit at a grave ignited dry grass. 1 suspect under judicial control.
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Konya (Doğanhisar): Tea fire spread to forest. 1 suspect under judicial control.
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Kütahya (Gediz), Bolu (Mudurnu), Manisa (Saruhanlı): Farming machinery identified as fire sources. Multiple suspects under judicial control or arrest.
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Bilecik (Kurtköy): Combine spark caused blaze. 1 suspect arrested, 1 under judicial control.
Many of the fires were unintentionally triggered by agricultural or mechanical equipment, including baling machines, harvesters, welding tools, or open flames in dry fields.
Caution Urged Amid Rising Fire Risk
Authorities continue to stress the need for increased public awareness, especially in agriculture-intensive rural areas, where machinery use can easily spark wildfires in hot, dry conditions.