Devastating wildfires in Turkey spread along the central Eskisehir

Several forestry and rescue workers lost their lives while responding to wildfires in Turkey’s central Eskisehir province. 

According to Turkey's Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, a sudden shift in wind direction trapped around 24 forest workers and volunteer rescuers inside the fire, leading to casualties.

Among the victims, five were forestry workers and five were volunteers from the AKUT rescue organization, while 14 forest workers were hospitalized.

The fire started Tuesday morning in the Seyitgazi district and quickly spread to surrounding areas, local media reported. 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences on X, extending sympathy to the families of the victims and to the nation.

President Erdogan sent a message of condolence to the victim families

Additionally, Nebi Hatipoglu, the local lawmaker, expressed condolences for the forest workers who lost their lives while battling the flames.

This tragic event occurs amidst soaring temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) across Turkey and ongoing wildfires burning in five provinces: Sakarya, Bilecik, Eskisehir, İzmir, Karabuk, and Manisa. 

This summer, hundreds of wildfires have erupted nationwide, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes.

Ahead of July 23, 16 million Istanbul residents were advised to stay indoors due to record-breaking heat. 

A recent report from the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery warns that many cities across Eurasia, including Istanbul, face growing risks from extreme heatwaves linked to the climate crisis.

This summer, Turkey has experienced severe wildfires that forced tens of thousands to evacuate. 

In 2021, during a major wildfire crisis, there was public outrage when it was revealed that the Erdogan administration lacked firefighting planes capable of water-bombing fires. 

Erdogan attributed the issue to procurement mishandling by the Turkish Aeronautical Association, prompting Turkey to bring firefighting aircraft from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, and Ukraine to aid in combating the blazes.

Here are some images showing the impact of the wildfires in Turkey.

Strong wildfire in Turkey

A firefighter looks on during a fight against wildfires in Seyitgazi, Eskisehir, Turkey

Firefighters try to control the fire

Smoke and flames rise among trees after a forest fire in Bilecik,Turkey on Wednesday