Turkey (TDI): The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said, on Wednesday, that 10 firefighters and rescue workers have been killed and 14 badly injured while battling the wildfire in Eskisehir province of northwestern Turkey.
Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli said that the strong winds suddenly changed the direction of the flames, resulting in fire engulfing the group of firefighters who were immediately sent to the nearest hospital, but 10 of them died, and 14 are still receiving medical treatment as they are in critical condition.
It has been reported that the firefighters were caught up in the fire and “burned alive.” Since Sunday, Turkey has been under high temperatures and strong winds that have triggered wildfires between Istanbul and Ankara.
As the flames are spreading, it has led to the evacuation of several villages. “Starting tomorrow, we are facing extraordinary temperatures and extreme wind shifts. Once again, I call on all 86 million citizens to be vigilant and exercise extra caution,” Yumakli said.
Read More: 50,000 Evacuated as Izmir Wildfires Spread
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the victims who fought the wildfires to protect the forests at the cost of their lives and also offered condolences to the families of the deceased firefighters and rescue workers.
It has been reported that there have been 13 deaths so far in the country this year due to wildfires. Three people which including an elderly person and two forestry workers, died earlier this month in a wildfire that started near Odemis, a town in Izmir province. On Wednesday, authorities also informed that seven wildfires were active across the country.
Experts have warned that such fires are becoming more and more frequent in various parts of the world due to climate change, as many European countries, including Spain, the UK, and Ireland, also faced wildfires earlier this month.
An IR student whose interest lies in diplomacy and current affairs and a part time debater
