Wildfire in Northwestern Turkey Kills 10 Rescue Workers

Wildfire in Northwestern Turkey Kills 10 Rescue Workers
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At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers were killed on Wednesday while battling a wildfire in Turkey’s Eskisehir province, according to Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli. The victims included five forestry workers and five members of the AKUT rescue organization. Fourteen others were hospitalized with injuries.

Yumakli said a sudden wind shift caused the flames to rapidly change direction, trapping the workers. The cause of the fire remains unknown. The latest deaths bring the total number of wildfire-related fatalities in Turkey this year to 13.

Firefighters are currently responding to seven active wildfires across the country, with extreme heat and erratic wind conditions forecast to worsen. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said two prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident. Turkey has been battling wildfires since June 26, including deadly blazes in Izmir province.