Turkish court jails man for forest fire that burned 92 hectares

A court in Türkiye has sentenced a 21-year-old man to more than five years in prison after finding him guilty of negligently causing a major forest fire in the southern province of Kahramanmaraş.

The incident took place on July 28, 2024, in the Onikişubat district, when the defendant, identified as M.S., threw a firecracker during a picnic. The device ignited dry grass, and the flames quickly spread, ultimately burning 92 hectares of forest, according to Turkish media.

Authorities deployed around 200 forestry personnel, supported by dozens of vehicles and aerial units, to contain the blaze, which was brought under control after approximately 18 hours.

Officials estimated the damage at 43.75 million Turkish lira ($969.153).

The court sentenced the defendant to 5 years, 6 months, and 20 days in prison on charges of causing a forest fire through negligence. He was also ordered to compensate the state for the costs associated with extinguishing the fire and restoring the affected area.

By Sabina Mammadli