Change in wind direction trapped 24 in Turkish forest fire - 10 responders dead and 14 to hospital
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A forest fire in Turkey’s central Eskisehir province has claimed the lives of 10 emergency personnel, including five forestry workers and five volunteers from the AKUT Search and Rescue Association. The fire erupted early Tuesday in the Seyitgazi district, rapidly intensifying due to high temperatures and shifting winds, which trapped 24 responders.
According to the BBC and other international media, at least 10 forestry and rescue workers have been killed while battling wildfires in Turkey's central Eskisehir province.
Change in wind direction trapped 24 battling the fire
24 or more forestry workers and volunteer rescue personnel were left "trapped inside the fire" following a change in the direction of the wind, Turkey's Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said in a post on X.
Extreme Conditions and National Mourning
- Temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F), fueling wildfires across six provinces, including Sakarya, Bilecik, İzmir, Karabuk, and Manisa.
- Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed that 14 others were hospitalized and described the incident as a result of “extraordinary temperatures and extreme wind shifts”.
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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences, honouring the fallen as heroes who “fought at the cost of their lives to protect our forests”.
Wider Impact
- Turkey has battled over 4,000 fires this year, with 1,728 in forested areas, according to Yumakli.
- The Eskisehir fire spread to neighbouring Afyonkarahisar province, prompting evacuations and aerial firefighting efforts.
- The government has declared disaster zones in Izmir and Bilecik, with 311 homes damaged and 85 temporary shelters established.
The deaths and injuries has sparked a national conversation about climate change and emergency preparedness. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced a formal investigation into the incident, while officials pledged to expand firefighting resources and personnel.
Photo Credit: General photo of California forest fires. Photo by United States Department of Defence.
For more details, you can read the full coverage on these sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/24/weather/turkey-wildfires-firefighters
https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/24/wildfire-kills-10-firefighters-and-rescue-workers-in-turkey