Ten forest workers were killed on Wednesday in a wildfire in the Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir province, western Türkiye, as the country grapples with one of its worst wildfire seasons in recent years.
The blaze broke out early afternoon amid soaring temperatures and strong winds, spreading rapidly through pine and oak forests and trapping firefighting crews on the ground.
The workers, part of the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM), were attempting to build firebreaks when they were overwhelmed by the flames, officials said. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı described them as “heroes of the forest.”
Despite efforts involving 10 helicopters, five firefighting aircraft and 30 trucks, the fire had burned around 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) by evening. At least 1,200 residents were evacuated from nearby villages, according to the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
Twelve additional workers were injured, three of them critically, and are being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at Eskişehir City Hospital.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences and announced posthumous honors and compensation for the victims’ families, calling the fallen firefighters “martyrs.”
Escalating wildfire threat
High winds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph) and temperatures 5–10°C above seasonal norms contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Authorities are investigating the cause, with early reports suggesting a power line failure, though arson has not been ruled out.
The incident is part of a broader wildfire crisis in Türkiye. So far in 2025, more than 96 fires have scorched nearly 50,000 hectares, tripling the area burned in 2020.
Fires in coastal İzmir earlier this summer forced mass evacuations and claimed multiple lives. Experts cite climate change-induced drought and prolonged heatwaves as major contributors to the worsening fire risk across the Mediterranean region.
Resource gaps and response
Türkiye’s forestry agency employs around 11,450 firefighters – significantly below the estimated 22,000 needed to manage increasingly severe fire seasons.
Minister Yumaklı said the government plans to recruit 5,000 additional personnel and expand the aerial fleet with 10 more aircraft by 2026. Public-private initiatives focused on fire prevention and training are also underway.
A preliminary investigation report is expected by July 30.
The Turkish Red Crescent has been providing aid to evacuees, while local authorities assess damage to property and livestock. At least 50 farm animals were reported dead, though no civilian fatalities occurred.