A wildfire in western Turkey has killed at least 10 people, including forest workers and rescuers, as high temperatures and strong winds fanned the flames near Eskişehir. The agriculture minister, İbrahim Yumakli, confirmed five forest workers and five rescuers died, while 14 others were being treated in hospital after being caught in a sudden change in wind direction.
The fire, which started on Tuesday morning, has forced the evacuation of several villages between Istanbul and Ankara. Local lawmaker Nebi Hatipoğlu expressed grief on social media, saying there were 'no words to describe our grief'. Turkey has been experiencing temperatures 6-12°C above seasonal norms since Sunday, contributing to multiple wildfires.
In Cyprus, firefighters are battling a large wildfire north of Limassol, forcing the evacuation of at least four villages. The fire broke out on Wednesday amid a heatwave with temperatures reaching 43°C inland. President Nikos Christodoulides requested EU assistance, and Jordan is sending help. The cause of the blaze is not yet known.
Scientists warn that fossil fuel burning increases the likelihood and intensity of extreme weather events like heatwaves. While heatwaves and forest fires are common in the region, their impact on human life and property has become more pronounced in recent years.
