On 23th July: Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said a sudden shift in wind trapped 24 forest workers and volunteers in the flames. Sudden wind changes in central Eskisehir province trapped emergency crews, at least 10 firefighters were killed, and several rescue workers were in the Turkey wildfires. 14 others are still receiving medical treatment, the minister said.
On June 29, Turkey wildfires driven by extreme heat and strong winds forced the evacuation of 50,000 people in İzmir and halted flights at Adnan Menderes Airport.
On July 4, a forest fire erupted in Dörtyol and rapidly spread with strong winds. By the following day, authorities evacuated nearly 2,000 people from Hatay Province while over 1,000 emergency workers fought the flames.
In recent days, temperatures across Turkey have surged past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), particularly affecting regions such as Sakarya, Bilecik, Eskisehir, İzmir, Karabük, and Manisa.
The wildfires broke out Tuesday morning in Seyitgazi district and quickly spread to nearby areas, local media reported. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the firefighters killed.
The death toll from Turkey wildfires has reached 13 this year, after Wednesday’s fatalities. Earlier this month, a blaze near Odemis in Izmir province claimed the lives of an elderly man and two forestry workers.
The Turkey wildfires reflect the rising toll of climate disasters, as the country faces extreme heat and relentless blazes.
