A deadly wildfire in western Turkey has left at least ten people dead, including forest workers and volunteer firefighters, as efforts to contain the fast-moving blaze near Eskişehir ended in tragedy.

The fire broke out early Tuesday in the rural district of Seyitgazi and rapidly spread due to strong winds, extreme heat, and dry conditions. Among those killed were members of a team tasked with creating firebreaks to slow the wildfire’s advance. Despite their efforts, the intense conditions overwhelmed the group.

According to Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, a total of 24 individuals, including 19 forest workers, were caught in the flames. Ten lost their lives, while twelve others sustained injuries, three of whom remain in critical condition. Yumaklı referred to the victims as “heroes of the forest.”

Local media reported that among those trapped was İsmail Çetin, the Regional Forestry Director of Eskişehir.

By Wednesday evening, the wildfire had scorched approximately 1,500 hectares of forest. Around 1,200 residents from nearby villages were evacuated as flames encroached on their homes. The fire, which began near the villages of Büyükayla and Fethiye, later spread into the neighboring province of Afyonkarahisar.

Efforts to contain the fire have involved both aerial firefighting resources and ground crews, but the scale and speed of the blaze have posed significant challenges.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed condolences via social media, stating, “May God have mercy on our brothers and sisters who gave their lives to protect our forests. My condolences to their families and to our nation.”