At least 10 firefighters and rescue workers have been killed and many more injured while battling a wildfire in northwestern Turkey, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.
Mr. Yumakli noted that five forestry workers and five members of the Akut rescue team died while trying to put out the fire that engulfed the forests of Eskisehir province.
According to him, at least 14 rescuers and forestry workers are in medical facilities.
The death toll from wildfires that have raged amid strong winds, high temperatures and drought conditions in the country this year has reached 13.
The minister added that the wind suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to quickly move and engulf the loggers.
The causes of the fire remain unknown.
Mr. Yumakli mentioned that firefighters are currently battling seven forest fires in Turkey, including the one in Eskisehir, and added that extreme heat and unstable winds are also expected on Thursday.
“Starting tomorrow, we can expect abnormal temperatures and sudden changes in wind direction. I once again call on all 86 million citizens to be attentive and exercise special caution,” he said.
In his condolences to the families of the victims, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that the victims fought “to protect our forests at the cost of their lives.”
The country's justice minister said two prosecutors had been appointed to investigate the incident.
Türkiye has been facing forest fires since June 26.
An elderly man and two forestry workers were killed in a fire that broke out near the town of Odemis in Izmir province earlier this month.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
