Devastating wildfires have engulfed forested regions near Bursa, Turkey’s fourth-largest city, forcing thousands to flee as flames fueled by record-breaking heat and strong winds spread rapidly across the northwest.
Driven by intense drought and scorching temperatures, the fires have consumed over 3,000 hectares of land near Bursa. Officials report that more than 3,500 people, including 1,765 from surrounding villages, have been evacuated as emergency services work around the clock to contain the crisis.
“It’s like an apocalypse,” said one resident who fled his village. “The flames were everywhere. We didn’t know where to run.”
Death Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Intensify
The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 17 people, including firefighters and civilian volunteers. Fatalities include two emergency personnel killed when a water tanker overturned, one firefighter who died at the scene, and another who suffered a fatal heart attack during operations.
More than 1,900 firefighters and 500 rescue personnel have been deployed to battle between 44 and 84 active fire fronts across the region.
Turkey’s government has declared the provinces of Izmir and Bilecik official disaster zones. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pledged national support for affected communities as officials continue to monitor dangerous conditions closely.
Authorities Investigate Suspected Arson
Investigations are underway to determine the causes behind the fires. Prosecutors have opened cases in 33 provinces, with 97 individuals either detained or under investigation for suspected arson.
In Bursa, police arrested a suspect, identified as Ufuk Aytekin, who was allegedly captured on CCTV filling bottles with gasoline and starting a fire. Officials confirmed the case is being treated as deliberate arson.
Unprecedented Heat and Regional Impact
The crisis comes amid one of the worst heatwaves in recent memory. Turkey recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5°C (122.9°F) in Şırnak Province, with more than 130 other locations reporting record highs this month.
The wildfires are part of a wider regional emergency, as neighboring countries including Greece, Bulgaria, and Albania battle simultaneous blazes. The European Union has dispatched additional firefighting units, and meteorologists warn that this could be the start of an extended period of extreme fire risk.
National Appeal for Vigilance
Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı warned that the wildfire season may worsen in the coming days, citing continued hot and dry conditions. He urged the public to act responsibly and report any signs of fire or suspicious behavior immediately.
“Weather conditions are working against us,” he said. “We must be more careful than ever.”
With fire conditions expected to persist, authorities are urging heightened awareness and cooperation across the country as Turkey faces one of its most severe wildfire seasons to date.
