Turkey Wildfires Kill 1 Firefighter, Force 1,700 Evacuations as Blazes Threaten Major City

Wildfires fueled by record-breaking heat are sweeping across Turkey, forcing the evacuation of at least 1,700 people and claiming the life of another firefighter as flames threaten the country’s fourth-largest city, Bursa.

Authorities say more than 1,900 firefighters have been deployed to battle 84 separate blazes across the country, with the northwestern provinces—including Karabuk and Eskisehir—facing the greatest danger. The fires have scorched over 7,000 acres so far.

Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed on Saturday that the deceased firefighter died of a heart attack while responding to the flames in Mugla. In the past few weeks alone, 14 people have died—including 10 volunteers and forestry workers killed in a fire in Eskisehir on Wednesday.

The General Directorate of Meteorology reported a national record high temperature of 122.9°F (50.5°C) in the southeastern Sirnak province on Friday, worsening conditions for already overwhelmed firefighting crews.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc revealed that prosecutors have investigated fires in 33 provinces since June 26, taking legal action against 97 individuals in connection to the outbreaks. Investigations are ongoing.

The wildfires also risk spreading across Turkey’s borders into Greece and Bulgaria. Bulgarian fire authorities have requested assistance from European Union allies, with firefighting aircraft expected to arrive from several countries including France, Sweden, and Hungary.

The Turkish government has mobilized military support to assist civilian responders in hard-hit areas and pledged continued aid to affected communities.

As fire crews battle extreme temperatures and widespread blazes, climate experts warn that intensifying heatwaves and droughts are contributing to a longer, more dangerous wildfire season across the region.