Turkey Arrests 10 Suspects as Wildfires Kill 2, Blaze Across 65 Sites

Turkish authorities have arrested ten suspects in connection with a series of wildfires that have affected multiple provinces since June 26, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced. The wildfires have claimed at least two lives in the western province of Izmir and caused extensive damage, including the destruction of homes and agricultural land. High temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, with some ignitions linked to welding, agricultural machinery, and burning garden waste near forested areas. While nine out of ten fires were largely brought under control by firefighting teams, efforts continued overnight to contain the blaze in Hatay province. Additionally, legal actions are ongoing against 15 more suspects, with investigations considering the possibility of negligence or arson. These events highlight the challenges Turkey faces amid an early and intense wildfire season exacerbated by climate conditions.