Testimony Revealed of Man Arrested for Deliberately Setting Forest Fire in Bursa

Authorities have obtained the testimony of the man arrested in connection with the forest fire continuing between the Orhaneli and Harmancık districts of Bursa, which began on July 26. Several neighborhoods in Harmancık, Orhaneli, and Büyükorhan were evacuated due to the fire.

Following an investigation by the Bursa Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect, Ufuk A., was detained and later formally arrested on charges of “deliberately setting a forest fire.”

In his statement, 30-year-old Ufuk A. said that he had previously served as a non-commissioned officer in the Turkish Armed Forces but suspended in April 2019 after being detained for alleged membership in the Fethullah Gülen Organization (FETÖ). He said he had been permanently dismissed from the military in 2021.

He also revealed that he suffered from psychological issues, took psychiatric medication, and had a strained relationship with his family.

Ufuk A. admitted that the vehicle with license plate 03 HK 184 was his, and that he had purchased it two weeks prior. He said that around 9:30 p.m. on July 27, he went to a gas station along the Harmancık-Bursa road, where he used to work, and bought two 5-liter water bottles. After emptying the bottles, he filled one with 10 liters of gasoline to use in a chainsaw.

“I Wanted to Cause Meaningless Confusion”

In his statement, Ufuk A. claimed his original intention was to assist in firefighting efforts in Çakmak village, but after realizing no help was needed, he turned back toward Harmancık. While on the Kışmanlar village road, he said he was suddenly overcome by an impulse to start a fire.

“I wanted to cause meaningless confusion in the village,” he said. “I got out of my vehicle around 10:30 p.m., walked about 10 meters into the forest along the roadside. I think the trees were pines. I poured the gasoline from one of the 5-liter jugs at the base of the trees. The other jug remained in the vehicle. Then I lit a lighter, and flames erupted immediately. My phone, which was in my left pocket, fell into the fire. I panicked and fled the scene.”

“I Didn’t Receive Orders from Any Terrorist Organization”

He also stated that he sustained burns on his left hand and left ankle. He insisted that he acted alone and out of a sudden emotional impulse.

“I carried out this act in a moment of weakness and confusion. After the incident, I went home. I live alone. I have no ties to any terrorist organization. I didn’t receive instructions from anyone. I deeply regret what I’ve done. This decision was entirely mine. I don’t know who may have caused the other fires in Bursa. If others are responsible, I don’t know them. I have no connections. I accept the charges against me.”