Animal lover dies in house fire along with more than 20 of her cats

The incident occurred late last night at a single-story house located in the Mermerli neighborhood.

Smoke began to rise from the house where 56-year-old Şule Çörekçi, known for her animal advocacy and for caring for numerous animals in her home and garden, lived.

Upon notification by local residents, fire, medical, and gendarmerie teams were dispatched to the scene.

It was determined that Şule Çörekçi, who was trapped inside the house, lost her life in the fire, which was brought under control through the intensive efforts of the fire department.

While initial investigations suggest the fire started from a stove, it was learned that more than 20 cats that Çörekçi was caring for in her home could not be saved from the flames and perished.

The unfortunate woman's body was sent to the İzmir Forensic Medicine Institute following an examination, and the investigation launched into the incident is ongoing.