Wildfires that have plagued Turkey for weeks now pose a danger to the nation’s fourth-largest city as of Sunday. These fires have resulted in the evacuation of 1,700 people and tragically claimed the life of another firefighter.
The fires are encircling Bursa, located in northwest Turkey. Authorities have reported that 1,765 individuals have been evacuated, and approximately 1,900 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the blaze. So far, the fires have devastated over 7,000 acres and resulted in the death of a firefighter who suffered a heart attack at the scene.
Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli stated that firefighting units were battling 84 different wildfires nationwide on Saturday. The greatest threat was in the northwest, particularly in Karabuk, where fires have been burning since Tuesday, he noted.
The General Directorate of Meteorology said Turkey recorded its highest ever temperature of 122.9 degrees Fahrenheit in the southeastern Sirnak province on Friday.
Relatives and friends mourn during the funeral of five rescue volunteers killed while battling a wildfire in northwestern Eskisehir province, in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Associated Press)
The blazes have threatened to cross borders into Turkey’s neighboring countries of Greece and Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s National Fire Service chief Alexander Djartov said they have enlisted the help of European Union partners to combat the fires. He said aircraft were expected from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Hungary and Sweden later Sunday.
Turkish soldiers carry the coffins of five rescue volunteers killed while battling a wildfire in northwestern Eskisehir province, in Ankara, Turkey, Thursday, July 24, 2025. (Associated Press)
Turkey says it has used the military to reinforce beleaguered firefighters in many areas.
