Ten suspects have been arrested by Turkish officials for wildfire spread during the last one week in Türkiye. Turkish Home Minister Ali Yolikaya on Friday gave about the suspects being caught.
He said that at least two people have died in fire incidents in Western Coastal Province Izmi. The fire extinguishers tried to control the fire with the help of aircraft and helicopters, but the fire spread rapidly due to high temperatures, strong winds and low moisture.
He said that the officials have come to know from the investigation that some of the 65 fire incidents started from June 26 were started near the forest areas due to welding, use of agricultural machinery and burning of gardens. These fire incidents not only destroyed the forests, but have also caused heavy damage to residential areas, infrastructure and agricultural land.
Internal Minister Yralikaya said that ten suspects have been arrested, while legal action is going on against 15 other suspects.
Apart from this, Forest Minister Ibrahim Yumkali said that out of the ten major fire incidents on Friday, nine have been controlled in nine. However, efforts to control the fire in the south east province Hatay will continue throughout the night.
At the same time, according to the Turkish disaster and emergency management authority (AFAD), 96 forest fire has so far destroyed more than 49,652 hectares of land. This figure was 19,000 hectares till Monday, which shows the rapid spread of the fire.
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