Turkish police have detained ten people over a series of wildfires that have broken out nationwide in the past week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday. The fires, which have spread fast on hot days, powerful winds, and low humidity, have left at least two dead in the western coastal province of Izmir.
A total of 65 wildfires have occurred since June 26, and the investigators have concluded that some of them had been caused by human recklessness, such as welding, the use of farming equipment close to forestland, and the burning of garden rubbish. Proceedings are under way for a further 15 suspects, Yerlikaya said.
Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated that firefighting forces assisted by aircraft and helicopters successfully brought nine of ten operating fires under control by Friday. But containment efforts in the southeastern province of Hatay are likely to proceed late into the night.
The Turkish authorities have stepped up their firefighting efforts in order to avert further destruction, alongside compelling citizens to be vigilant and refrain from any activities that might cause fresh fires amid the current heatwave. Probes into reasons and responsibility for the fires are still ongoing.
