• Ten firefighters and rescue workers killed in wildfires in central Turkey's Eskisehir province.
• Severe heatwave and high winds exacerbating wildfire conditions across multiple regions.
• Authorities warn of more dangerous situations as wildfires threaten homes and evacuate communities.

In a tragic incident in Turkey's central Eskisehir province, ten firefighters and rescue workers were killed while battling a wildfire. Five of the deceased were forestry workers, and the victims were trapped by flames when strong winds unexpectedly shifted, complicating firefighting efforts. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli expressed the nation's grief, stating, "We are experiencing a very painful evening," after a loss of life in what was initially thought to be a manageable situation, according to TRT Global and BBC.

Emergency responders reported that 14 additional firefighters were injured, with local hospitals taking in those affected. The fire, which started in the Seyitgazi district, quickly spread and led to evacuations in surrounding areas, particularly as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences on social media, calling the firefighters "brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives to protect our forests," according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

The extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by ongoing heatwaves, have led to multiple wildfires across Turkey. Firefighters continue to battle blazes in Erkilet, Bilecik, and Afyonkarahisar provinces. The dire situation prompted Minister Yumakli to issue a warning for residents to remain vigilant. As he described, "Once again, I call on all 86 million citizens to be vigilant and exercise extra caution," according to Reuters and Reuters.

Witnesses have described the scene as tragic, with one firefighter noting, "They tried to escape the fire running uphill, but they couldn't manage to do it." Meanwhile, residents in Bilecik reported inadequate access for firefighting vehicles, further hindering efforts to contain the flames. The widespread fires have resulted in evacuations across several towns, and authorities continue to assess the damage, as the Delta Fire Brigade maintains focus on public safety and fire suppression, according to Reuters and Reuters.