Deadly wildfires have swept through several regions of Turkey over the past month, claiming at least 17 lives and forcing thousands to evacuate.
Blazes have intensified across the eastern Mediterranean, driven by extreme heat and strong winds.
In the latest incident, two volunteer firefighters lost their lives after being rescued from a water tanker that overturned while rushing to battle a forest fire near Bursa, Turkey’s fourth-largest city.
Their deaths bring the total fatalities in the Bursa area to four.
Over the weekend, more than 3,500 residents in nearby areas were forced to flee as fast-moving flames threatened homes and property.
Many have been temporarily displaced, and emergency crews continue to work under dangerous conditions.
The country’s overall wildfire death toll since late June now stands at 17.
Among those who lost their lives are 10 forestry workers and rescue volunteers who died last Wednesday while fighting a major fire in the western city of Eskisehir.
Large areas of forestland have been destroyed, and while some fires are now partially under control, others remain active.
Thick smoke, dry vegetation, and strong winds have made firefighting efforts more difficult.
On Sunday alone, Turkey’s Forestry Ministry reported that emergency services responded to at least 44 separate fire outbreaks across the country.
Authorities have deployed helicopters, planes, and ground crews in an attempt to control the situation, but the high temperatures and wind continue to pose a serious challenge.
The wildfires come amid a broader regional pattern of extreme weather, with heatwaves affecting much of southern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. Local officials are urging people to remain alert and follow evacuation orders when needed.