A fast-moving wildfire in Türkiye’s northwestern Eskisehir province has claimed the lives of 10 emergency responders, including firefighters and search-and-rescue personnel, in one of the deadliest such incidents in the country’s recent history.

According to officials, the victims included five forestry workers and five members of the AKUT rescue organization who were battling the blaze when a sudden shift in wind direction caused the fire to rapidly intensify and trap the team. Another 14 people were injured, and several others required hospital treatment.

The fire erupted amid searing heat, strong winds, and dry vegetation, conditions that have heightened wildfire risk across Türkiye this summer. The Forestry Ministry reported that seven wildfires are currently active across central and western provinces, with crews struggling to contain them as temperatures continue to soar.

“This is a painful loss,” said Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli, who urged the public to avoid any activity that could spark additional fires. “Extraordinary temperatures and unstable winds make conditions highly dangerous.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offered his condolences to the families of the fallen, calling them “heroes who gave their lives protecting our forests.” He added that an investigation is underway, with two prosecutors assigned to determine the cause and circumstances of the tragedy.

The latest casualties bring the national wildfire death toll for 2025 to 13, following earlier fatalities in İzmir province. This year’s wildfire season, intensified by climate change and extreme weather, has prompted renewed calls for better fire prevention, response coordination, and environmental protection.

Emergency services remain on high alert as the heatwave persists, with temperatures expected to climb even further in the coming days.