Police have arrested six people on suspicion of arson as prosecutors investigate dozens of wildfires that have broken out across Türkiye in recent days.
According to Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, investigations have been launched into 44 separate forest fires that have erupted across 16 provinces since 1 June.
Authorities have identified 29 suspects, with six arrested, six remaining in custody pending further investigation and nine placed under judicial supervision.
In a social media post on Sunday, Gürlek said prosecutors were working with the interior and agriculture ministries to determine the cause of the fires and identify those responsible.
He said the Department of Natural Disasters and Accidents, which operates under the Justice Ministry, was closely monitoring the investigations, adding that protecting forests and natural resources was a key part of safeguarding Türkiye's “green homeland”.
The justice minister's remarks came as firefighters continued battling blazes in several parts of the country after weeks of extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds fuelled one of Türkiye's worst wildfire seasons in years.
Although several fires have been brought under control, forestry officials have warned that the risk remains exceptionally high.
Firefighting operations continued in parts of Bursa and Karabük, while emergency crews also responded to fires in other provinces, including Kahramanmaraş, where conditions remained volatile.
In recent weeks, authorities have carried out large-scale evacuations in several areas where wildfires threatened residential communities and agricultural land.
The deadliest incident occurred last month in Eskişehir Province, where 10 people, including forestry workers and rescue personnel, were killed while battling a fast-moving blaze.
The disaster has prompted renewed scrutiny of wildfire preparedness and emergency response measures.
Wildfires have also affected other Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Spain, France and Portugal, as prolonged heatwaves and dry conditions continue to increase fire risks across southern Europe.
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