A wildfire claimed the lives of at least 10 forestry personnel and emergency responders on Wednesday as they worked to control the blaze near Eskişehir in western Turkey, officials reported.
Agriculture Minister İbrahim Yumakli confirmed that five forestry employees and five rescuers had died. Earlier reports from local lawmaker Nebi Hatipoğlu and news outlet BirGün had suggested the death toll stood at 11.
High temperatures and gusty winds had fueled the fire between Istanbul and Ankara since Tuesday morning, endangering residential areas and prompting evacuations in multiple villages.
According to BirGün, the victims were caught off-guard when the fire abruptly shifted direction, leading to fatal burns.
Yumakli stated that 24 workers were trapped by the sudden movement of the flames, with 14 receiving medical treatment.
Hatipoğlu, a member of the ruling AKP party, expressed deep sorrow, writing on X that there were “no words to describe our grief.”
Temperatures in Turkey have been significantly higher than usual since Sunday, with several fires breaking out. Experts have repeatedly warned that rising global temperatures due to fossil fuel consumption increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Meanwhile, firefighters in Cyprus struggled on Wednesday to control a large wildfire, which forced evacuations in at least four villages as a heatwave pushed temperatures to extreme levels.
Authorities reported that the fire, driven by strong winds and scorching heat, spread through areas north of Limassol. A fire department representative noted extensive damage to homes in the region, known for its vineyards.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that emergency support had been requested under an EU aid program, with Jordan also providing assistance.
“The situation remains critical, with a vast firefront. All available teams are engaged,” he told journalists at the site.
Officials said 14 aircraft and ground crews were attempting to contain the fire, which started around midday. The cause remained unclear.
Temperatures in Cyprus reached 43°C (109.4°F) inland on Wednesday, prompting an official weather alert. Forecasts indicated temperatures could climb to 44°C on Thursday, marking the year’s hottest day.
While heatwaves and wildfires are not uncommon, their effects on communities and infrastructure have grown more severe in recent years.
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