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
Yahoo
an hour 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.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Air quality alert issued in Columbus region due to wildfire smoke, fireworks emissions
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission issued an air quality alert July 5 for the Columbus area as Canadian wildfire smoke, fireworks emissions and sunny weather were all predicted to lower the region's air quality. Partly sunny skies and temperatures in the low 90s will promote ozone formation, while light winds will allow pollutants to build up, according to a Planning Commission news release. Columbus' Air Quality Index score, a number from 0-500 with higher values meaning more polluted air, is expected to reach 101. Air quality scores from 101-150 indicate the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, which may include active children, older adults and people with lung diseases like asthma or COPD. During an alert, people in such groups should limit their outdoor activities or go outside in the morning, when pollutants are lowest, according to the Planning Commission. Columbus' air quality score is predicted to fall back into the moderate range of 51-100 on July 6. Breaking and trending news reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@ at @NathanRHart on X and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Air quality alert issued in Columbus due to wildfire smoke, fireworks
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Arrests made after officer injured at annual Red, White and Blue Ash celebration
Several arrests were made on Friday, July 4, during the MadTree Red, White & Blue Ash after a group of approximately 400 unaccompanied youth set off fireworks numerous times, "intentionally causing panic" and injuring an officer, according to a news release from Blue Ash police. Police say a Blue Ash officer sustained a burn to his leg from one of the firework and was treated and released from the hospital. One juvenile was taken into custody for this incident and has been charged with assault on a police officer. At this time, no other fireworks injuries have been reported, according to officials. 'We understand this was a scary situation for many, and we hear you,' Blue Ash Police Chief Roger Pohlman said. 'It was an unfolding situation, and our officers worked quickly to apprehend the individuals involved. As we do after every event, we will review security protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees and our officers.' The department reports that there were 110 officers on duty which this included officials from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, SWAT, drone team and numerous other agencies throughout the region. Several posts on social media reported that they thought the fireworks they heard were gunshots, leading to panic among families at the event. Blue Ash Police reassured guests that evening that they were just fireworks being set off. "Thanks, everyone, for coming out to MadTree Red, White & Blue Ash! We've heard some rumors that people heard gunfire. There was no gunfire," the department wrote on X. "It was juveniles setting off firecrackers near the canopy. There were no injuries that we are aware of." Police are continuing to gather information about this event and what transpired, anyone with information that could help in the investigation is urged to contact the police department at 745-8555. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when available. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Arrests made, officer injured at Blue Ash Fourth of July celebration
