At least 10 forestry and rescue workers have lost their lives while battling a devastating wildfire near Eskisehir in western Turkey, authorities confirmed. According to Turkish Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı, the deceased include five forestry workers and five rescue personnel. The news was reported by The Guardian and Al Jazeera.
Earlier reports from local MP Nebi Hatipoğlu and Turkish news outlet BirGün had stated that 11 people had died in the incident. The wildfire began on Tuesday morning in the region between Istanbul and the capital, Ankara. Due to soaring temperatures and strong winds, the flames spread rapidly, prompting evacuations from several villages and placing many homes at risk.
A report by BirGün noted that 24 workers became trapped when the fire suddenly shifted direction. Of them, 10 died, and 14 others were hospitalized with serious injuries.
The Turkish Meteorological Department reported that, since Sunday, temperatures across the country have been 6 to 12 degrees Celsius above average. As a result, wildfires have been breaking out in various regions across the country.
Scientists have long warned that the continued use of fossil fuels and human-induced climate change are contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves and extreme weather events like these.