Turkey Battles 76 Wildfires, Evacuates Thousands in Bursa, Karabuk Amid Heatwave

Turkey is facing severe wildfires across multiple provinces, with the northwest region, including Bursa, heavily affected. The fires, fueled by extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, have forced the evacuation of thousands of residents—over 3,500 in Bursa alone—and caused multiple casualties, including the recent tragic death of 10 firefighters during suppression efforts in Eskisehir. Firefighting operations involve hundreds of personnel, numerous aircraft, and ground vehicles, though challenges persist due to the intensity of the fires and difficult terrain, with some areas only accessible by air after nightfall. The wildfires have disrupted transportation, including the closure of major highways like the Ankara-Karabuk route, complicating both evacuation and firefighting efforts. Turkish officials, including Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have acknowledged the crisis, emphasizing ongoing night operations and promising support for affected families. This wildfire crisis is part of a broader pattern of unprecedented heatwaves and record-high temperatures across Turkey, exacerbating fire risks nationwide.