Wildfires in Karabük, İzmir, Bilecik and Balıkesir, Turkey battles fires on multiple fronts
Turkey has been battling wildfires for days now, with fires erupting across the country. As of now, flames are threatening residential areas and major transportation routes in multiple provinces, including Karabük, İzmir, Bilecik, and Balıkesir.
Trapped by the Flames: Ten Killed in Cave While Fleeing Wildfire in Eskişehir
A horrifying scene unfolded during ongoing wildfire suppression efforts in Eskişehir. As flames shifted direction unpredictably, firefighting teams found themselves suddenly surrounded. In a desperate attempt to survive, five forestry workers and five civilian volunteers sought refuge in a nearby cave. Tragically, the fire changed direction once more—and all ten were caught in the blaze and burned to death.
A fire that spread fast and far
The wildfire broke out around 8:30 a.m. on July 22, in a forested area between Büyükyayla and Fethiye neighborhoods in the Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir. Local residents were quick to notice the rising smoke. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly—threatening both forested areas and nearby villages. Eventually, it reached as far as Sarıcaova, a village in Afyonkarahisar’s İhsaniye district.
In response to the growing danger, Sarıcaova residents were evacuated as a precaution, as officials feared the fire might spread to inhabited areas.
A fatal shift in the wind
During intense firefighting efforts, a sudden flare-up trapped some team members. The unexpected shift in wind direction disoriented the crews. In an effort to escape, five forestry workers and six volunteers from a local civil rescue group took shelter in a nearby cave. But the fire circled back. Ten of them—five from the forestry service and five from the AKUT volunteer search-and-rescue team—lost their lives inside that cave.
Officials confirm the tragedy
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, confirmed that 24 people were caught in the fire in total—19 forestry staff and 5 AKUT members. Fourteen of them are currently being treated for injuries. The remaining ten perished in the fire.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also addressed the nation on social media platform X, writing:
“The wildfire in Seyitgazi, Eskişehir, has scorched not only the land but our hearts. Sadly, we lost 10 heroes—five forestry workers and five AKUT volunteers. May they rest in peace. Our condolences to their families and to the nation. We also wish a swift recovery to the 14 injured still receiving treatment in hospitals.”
