Newsletters
Turkish authorities have detained multiple suspects across the country in connection with recent wildfires sparked by fireworks and incendiary devices, as arson concerns mount during the summer fire season.
In Bursa, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of four individuals – identified only as S.D., A.K., M.B., and M.A. – for allegedly setting off fireworks that caused a fire. The suspects were taken into custody on July 28, and an official investigation is ongoing.
In Istanbul’s Beykoz district, 22-year-old Alihan A. was arrested after launching a signal flare that ignited a fire in a nearby forested area. The blaze damaged roughly 500 square meters before being extinguished by emergency teams.
In his statement, the suspect said he had found the expired flare at home and ignited it after watching tutorials online. He said he attempted to extinguish the fire and called emergency services six times.
In Bursa’s Orhaneli district, another suspect, Ufuk Aytekin (30), was arrested and later formally charged with deliberate forest arson. Aytekin, a former air force noncommissioned officer, was previously dismissed from the military following investigations into FETO (Fetullah Terrorist Organization), which Ankara accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt.
Authorities say Aytekin was spotted by locals near a renewed fire zone late on July 27. Witnesses reported a vehicle parked suspiciously near the forest with gasoline canisters inside. The suspect, who had visible burns on his limbs, was detained as he left a student dormitory nearby.
In his statement to prosecutors, Aytekin claimed he acted “in a moment of emotional instability.” He admitted to pouring gasoline on pine trees and using a lighter to ignite the fire, but denied receiving any instructions or having active ties to any terror group. “I live alone. I received no order from anyone. It was a foolish, impulsive act,” he said.
Security footage reportedly shows the suspect purchasing fuel earlier that evening and emptying water bottles before filling them with gasoline. Law enforcement confirmed they collected fingerprints and burn evidence at the scene.
1 min read
