Turkey arrests ten suspects after wildfires, interior minister says
The wildfires killed at least two people in western coastal province of Izmir as fire extinguishing teams supported by planes and helicopters struggled to contain the blazes.
High temperatures, strong winds and low humidity also caused swift spread of the fires.
Authorities determined that some of the 65 fires that broke out since June 26 were due to welding and agricultural machinery usage near the forest area and burning garden waste. Legal proceedings for 15 more suspects continue, Yerlikaya said.
Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said nine out of ten wildfires that teams were battling on Friday were largely under control while efforts to contain the fire in southeastern Hatay province will continue overnight.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
Protesters Supporting Banned Palestine Action Arrested in UK
LONDON (AP) — More than 20 people were arrested Saturday on suspicion of terrorism offenses after protesters gathered in central London in support of Palestine Action. The protest in Parliament Square came hours after the pro-Palestinian activist group was banned in Britain under anti-terrorism laws.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola under fire as government launches investigation — here's what they're looking for
Coca-Cola, a brand that already faces a lot of scrutiny, is once again in hot water as the Turkish government has opened an investigation into the company's business practices. Turkey's Competition Board announced that it is investigating Coca-Cola over the possibility that the U.S.-based drink giant is running afoul of Turkey's competition law, according to Reuters. The board explained that this investigation was launched after increased suspicions that Coca-Cola was purposely trying to prevent and obstruct the sale of its competitors at its sales points. Also in the investigation, the board will determine if Coca-Cola complied with commitments it made to the board in 2021. This investigation has important environmental implications despite being legally framed as a competition issue. Coca-Cola has long faced criticism for its environmental impacts, particularly its role as a top contributor to global plastic pollution. If the company is found to have deliberately obstructed competitors from accessing retail space, it will show the dominance that large-scale, high-waste companies can still have over the market. This kind of dominance often comes at the expense of smaller beverage and food companies, many of which push for reusable packaging, local sourcing, and reduced levels of pollution. By limiting competition, Coca-Cola is stifling innovation in its industry and restricting consumer access to greener choices. It is also unclear how many other larger corporations may be following anti-competitive behavior in other industries. If Coca-Cola is found guilty, Turkey's Competition Board will have the opportunity to set a strong global precedent that other countries could look to follow. This case could encourage other countries to examine similar practices and support environmental groups pushing for greater corporate accountability. By taking action against Coca-Cola, Turkey will also send a clear message to other larger corporations that may also be attempting to obstruct their competition. As a consumer, you too have the power to influence corporations. Your purchasing power is an incredibly useful tool to let companies know that you support more environmentally friendly initiatives. Should the government ban gas stoves? Yes Only in new buildings Only in restaurants No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Turkey sends firefighting aircraft to Syria as wildfires rage on both sides of the border
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey sent two firefighting aircraft Saturday to help battle wildfires in neighboring Syria as Turkish firefighters battled a blaze on their side of the border and one person was reported dead in the country's west. Eleven fire trucks and water support vehicles were also dispatched to help beat back flames in Syria's northwest Latakia region, according to Raed Al Saleh, the Syrian minister of emergency and disaster management. He posted on X, saying 'sudden wildfires in Turkey' delayed their arrival by almost a day. Turkey has been battling wildfires since June 26. Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said Saturday that firefighters successfully controlled 10 major fires in western Turkey, but an injured forestry worker had died, the third in the municipality of Odemis in Izmir province. Authorities said most of the fires in Izmir were caused by faulty power lines. Meanwhile, in Hatay province, which borders Syria, emergency crews continued fighting a blaze that broke out Friday afternoon in the Dortyol district near a residential area and rapidly intensified due to strong winds, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Some 920 homes had been evacuated as a precaution against the advancing flames, Governor Mustafa Musatli said late Friday. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said 44 suspects had been detained in relation to 65 fires that broke out across the country. Fires that have hit Turkey, Greece and Syria over the past week have been fueled by soaring temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. In Turkey, they led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and damaged some 200 homes. The Syrian Civil Defense expressed concerns over the presence of unexploded ordnance from the country's past conflicts in some of the wildfire areas. Summer fires are common in the eastern Mediterranean region, where experts warn that climate change is intensifying conditions.