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A devastating wildfire in Turkey’s central Eskisehir province has claimed the lives of ten firefighters and left 14 others injured, according to Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. The firefighting efforts began on Tuesday in the Seyitgazi district as crews worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
On Wednesday, the situation took a tragic turn when strong, shifting winds caused flames to suddenly race toward a group of 24 firefighters. They were quickly rescued and transported to a hospital, but sadly, 10 firefighters succumbed to their injuries while the others remain under medical care, the minister confirmed.
Ercan Temel, a firefighter who witnessed the incident, described the harrowing scene: “They were battling the fire up the hill, while the rest of us fought it at the base. When the wind shifted, they tried to escape uphill but weren’t able to make it.”
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced on X (formerly Twitter) that a legal investigation has been launched into the tragedy. Meanwhile, firefighting efforts continue elsewhere, with seven wildfires still burning across five provinces in central and western Turkey.
As the country grapples with these destructive blazes, officials and residents alike remain on high alert, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive wildfire prevention and response strategies.
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