Forest fires across Türkiye: 17 detained, prison evacuated

Forest fires that erupted across multiple provinces in Türkiye between June 26 and 28 have prompted urgent action from authorities, leading to the detention of 17 individuals as part of ongoing investigations.

According to a statement by Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, judicial inquiries are being carried out thoroughly by the relevant Public Prosecutor’s Offices to determine the causes of the fires, Caliber.Az reports.

“So far, 17 suspects have been taken into custody,” the minister confirmed on X.

One of the affected areas included the Bilecik Gölpazarı Open Penal Institution, which was evacuated as a precautionary measure. A total of 1,081 inmates and convicts were safely transferred to open penal facilities in neighboring provinces. Families of those relocated have been notified, and officials assured the public that there is currently no risk to safety within any of the country's penal institutions.

Minister Tunç also extended well wishes to citizens impacted by the fires and expressed gratitude to the emergency response teams.

“We wish a swift recovery to all affected citizens and commend the tireless efforts of the teams working to protect our Green Homeland,” he said.

Firefighting and emergency operations continue across the affected regions as authorities monitor the situation closely.

By Sabina Mammadli