A wildfire in western Turkey has killed at least 10 forest workers and rescuers who were battling the blaze near Eskişehir, authorities said on Wednesday. The agriculture minister, İbrahim Yumakli, confirmed five forest workers and five rescuers died, while local lawmaker Nebi Hatipoğlu earlier reported 11 fatalities.
The fire, which started on Tuesday morning, has been fanned by high temperatures and strong winds, spreading between Istanbul and Ankara. Several villages have been evacuated as the flames threatened homes. According to news website BirGün, the victims were caught off guard when the wind suddenly changed direction, leaving them 'burned alive'.
Yumakli told broadcasters that 24 workers were caught in the 'brusque evolution of the flames', with 14 being treated in hospital. Hatipoğlu, a deputy from the ruling AKP party, expressed grief on X, saying there were 'no words to describe our grief'.
Turkey has been experiencing temperatures 6C to 12C above seasonal norms since Sunday, leading to several fires. Scientists warn that fossil fuel burning is making such extreme weather events more likely and intense.
Meanwhile, in Cyprus, firefighters are battling a huge wildfire near Limassol, forcing the evacuation of at least four villages. The fire, stoked by strong winds and temperatures reaching 43C, has caused 'considerable damage' to homes. President Nikos Christodoulides has requested EU assistance, and Jordan is sending help. The cause of the blaze remains unclear.
