Minister Gürlek announced that 70 suspects were identified in investigations into 103 forest fires that occurred in 27 provinces since June 1, 2026.
Gürlek said efforts were continuing under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to identify those who caused the forest fires deliberately or through negligence and bring them to justice.

Sixteen suspects arrested
Sixteen of the 70 suspects investigated were arrested. Judicial control measures were imposed on 32 suspects, and arrest warrants were issued for two people.
Investigations into nine new forest fires that occurred during the week of August 30 to September 6 identified two suspects. One of them was arrested, while judicial control measures were imposed on the other.
Gürlek said the chief public prosecutors' offices continued to investigate the causes of the fires, those responsible for negligence or deliberate acts, and all aspects of the incidents in coordination with the police and gendarmerie forces.